Brutal Preston Station stabbing: Man jailed for 27 years for attacking volunteer police officer
Knife attack rocks Preston railway station
A 54-year-old man has been locked up for 27 years after viciously stabbing a British Transport Police (BTP) Special Constable during a routine operation at Preston railway station.
Russell Smith, from Preston, launched a savage assault on the volunteer officer on September 7, 2024. The victim was helping passengers as part of policing efforts for the Radio 2 Summer Festival when Smith struck from behind with a concealed kitchen knife, plunging it into the back of the officer’s neck.
Despite the shocking nature of the attack, the officer’s injuries were thankfully non-life-threatening. Quick-thinking colleagues used captor spray and handcuffs to restrain Smith after a brief struggle on the busy platform.
Premeditated violence and court crackdown
The brutal assault was no spur-of-the-moment attack. Court evidence revealed Smith was agitated and violent both during and after his arrest. He even defaced his prison cell and continued to show reckless behaviour while in custody.
Preston Crown Court handed down a hefty sentence on April 14, 2025: 27 years behind bars with at least 18 years before parole is considered, plus five years on licence.
A Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said: “This was a deliberate attempt to kill a police officer doing their job in service of the public. The sentence reflects the extreme danger posed by Smith’s actions.”
Officer’s bravery and full recovery
The Special Constable, who has not been named, suffered a puncture wound to the thoracic spine but narrowly escaped permanent damage. Remarkably, he has since made a full recovery and returned to duty.
Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle praised the officer’s courage: “No police officer, especially unpaid volunteers, should face violence like this. His determination to get back to work speaks volumes.”
Ongoing support is provided through BTP’s welfare services, with the police community lauding his resilience and commitment.
Rising knife crime sparks safety concerns
This attack has reignited urgent concerns over officer safety, especially for volunteer and part-time constables. A 2024 Police Federation survey revealed that 89% of officers feel undervalued and vulnerable to violence.
Knife crime nationwide is also on the up. Official data from 2023 shows a 7% increase in knife-related offences across England and Wales.
Though such incidents remain rare on the rail network, BTP continues to call for stronger public support and investment to protect both staff and passengers.
This chilling Preston stabbing case is a grim reminder of the dangers officers face daily — and the bravery of those who carry on regardless.
