Knifeman stabbed special constable at busy station

Russel Smith followed his victim around Preston railway station before attacking him

A knifeman who stabbed a special constable in the neck as he worked on the policing operation for an outdoor BBC festival has been found guilty of attempted murder.

The officer, who was telling two music fans how to get from Preston railway station to Moor Park for the Radio 2 in the Park festival, was approached from behind by Russel Smith.

The 54-year-old then followed the volunteer officer - who survived the attack on 7 September and has since returned to duty - before pulling a kitchen knife from his trouser pocket and stabbing him.

Smith, who was also convicted of possessing of a bladed article, is due to be sentenced at Preston Crown Court for both offences on 14 April.

The special constable was helping people at Preston railway station as the city hosted the BBC Radio 2 in the Park music festival

British Transport Police (BTP) said the special constable, who has not been named, "remains determined to fulfil his role".

The court heard that Smith pulled the knife from his pocket, raised it above his head and then ran towards the officer.

The force of the attack caused the special constable to fall forwards.

As the wounded officer tried to crawl away, Smith moved towards him again with the knife.

A colleague who heard the officer's screams ran to help, resulting in Smith backing away.

The colleague then used his PAVA spray to restrain the knifeman, who dropped his weapon while another officer handcuffed him.

The special constable suffered a wound to his spine, with a BTP spokesperson saying "it is only by sheer luck that this injury did not cause life-threatening or life-changing injuries".

Thousands of music fans attended the BBC Radio 2 in the Park festival in Preston

When Smith was taken into custody, BTP said he continued to be violent and told officers he would attack more of them, as well as asking if their colleague had died.

Smith also smeared his own faeces over the walls of his cell.

Following his conviction, Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle said he was "pleased to see justice served".

"This was an exceptionally violent, shocking and calculated attack on a uniformed police officer as they were simply doing their job," he said.

"It is a testament to the character of the officer involved that he has now returned to duty and remains determined to fulfil his role as a special constable, protecting the public and keeping the railway safe."