HEROES grabbed a man and his weapon after he stabbed a woman three times in the neck.

Kenneth Noble, retired, of Beehive Lane, Ferring, left the 64-year-old woman with three knife wounds to her neck before he was tackled by workmen who were alerted to the commotion.

The 69-year-old was jailed for 16 years at Lewes Crown Court on Wednesday, June 29 having previously pleaded guilty to the vicious attack on September 27 last year.

Noble attacked the woman inside his flat but a neighbour heard her screams and got help from some nearby workmen.

The Argus: Kenneth NobleKenneth Noble

The two electricians “bravely tackled” Noble, taking the knife from him and restraining him with cable ties until police arrived soon afterwards.

The woman was taken to hospital in a “very serious condition” with knife wounds and defensive wounds to her hands.

Noble was given a restraining order, prohibiting him from any further contact with the woman for life.

The Argus: Forensic investigators at the scene in FerringForensic investigators at the scene in Ferring

Detective constable Kat Wilkins said; "The victim sustained three knife wounds to her neck and defensive wounds to her hands, and was taken to hospital in a very serious condition, but thankfully has since recovered from her injuries.

"This was a violent and unprovoked attack on a defenceless woman but her cries were mercifully heard by a neighbour who got help from some nearby workmen.

“Two electricians in particular bravely tackled Noble, taking the knife from him and preventing even more serious harm, and restraining him with the aid of cable ties until police arrived soon afterwards.”

The Argus: The stabbing happened on September 27 last yearThe stabbing happened on September 27 last year

The prosecution, authorised by the CPS, followed an investigation by officers from the West Sussex Safeguarding Investigations Unit.

The incident was confined to the flat, and there was no risk to the wider community, police said.

A High Sheriff’s Award of £500 each will be made to both men.

Judge Christine Laing said in court: “Both showed conspicuous bravery in dealing with Mr Noble who was armed with a knife.

“Each of them when faced with a sight of a man armed with knife attacking the woman displayed an immediate instinct to run towards the knifeman. ....It is only right that the court, High Sheriff and County of West Sussex publicly acknowledge their actions. They will later be invited to a public ceremony for the award.”