Brothers jailed after machete attack on policeman

Brothers Hannan and Humar Mahmood were sentenced to seven years in prison for attacking off-duty police officer PC Darren Attwood with a machete during a robbery in Luton on November 2, 2024. The Mahmood brothers, both of Belmont Road, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article. Judge Allison Hunter praised Attwood's bravery and awarded him a High Sheriff's Award and £500 for his actions. CCTV footage showed Humar swinging a machete at Attwood, who sustained a stab wound to the chest while trying to stop the brothers after they stole a dirt bike. Attwood, who identified himself as an officer, reported feeling "lucky to be alive" after the incident.

His efforts to document the crime and prevent the escape of the suspects were highlighted as heroic. Both brothers had prior convictions, with Humar previously convicted for wounding and knife offenses. Their attorneys argued that bullying at school contributed to their violent behavior during the robbery.