A MAN has been convicted of attempted murder with a samurai sword following an attack on two members of the public. 

Ali Bhatti, 33, was found guilty at Hove Crown Court on August 30 of one count of attempted murder, one count of grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Police attended Horsham Road, Crawley, at around 8pm on October 22 last year following calls from Bhatti saying he was going to go out with a samurai sword and commit a crime. 

He had admitted taking crack cocaine and said he believed someone was trying to kill him.

While still on the phone to police, Bhatti left his house and rode a motorbike towards the Broadfield Roundabout, where he crashed. 

He then walked through traffic along Horsham Road, waving the samurai sword in the air.

A member of the public who recognised Bhatti asked him if he was alright. Bhatti then stabbed the 38-year-old man with the sword, causing serious injuries to his chest and forearm.

Bhatti continued the attack and slashed at a second man, 61, who was walking along the footpath nearby, inflicting a large injury to his shoulder.

PC Oakley and Sgt Arrol-Barker were the first officers on the scene. They Bhatti and Tasered him multiple times before it took effect and he fell to the ground. 

Officers then put him in handcuffs, seized the weapon, and sought medical treatment for the two victims.

Bhatti, unemployed, of Henderson Road in Crawley, was taken into custody and later charged with two counts of attempted murder and one count of possessing a bladed article in a public place.

He was found guilty by a jury on Tuesday and will be sentenced on Friday, September 2.

The Argus: PC Ryan Oakley and Sergeant James Arrol-Barker were named as the South East regional winners of the 2022 Police Federation Bravery Awards PC Ryan Oakley and Sergeant James Arrol-Barker were named as the South East regional winners of the 2022 Police Federation Bravery Awards

The two police officers who tackled him have now been named as the South East regional winners of the 2022 Police Federation Bravery Awards for their actions.

Chief Superintendent Howard Hodges, divisional commander for West Sussex, said: “I am so proud of James and Ryan who have rightly been recognised for their bravery and professionalism in responding to this dangerous and shocking incident.

“Their actions are in the finest traditions of policing; running towards danger and putting themselves in harm’s way to protect the wider public.

“Policing is a challenging profession but brings out the very best in all of our staff and this is an excellent example of this which has been deservedly recognised on this occasion.”