Bus station knife attackers jailed

Samura Mahdi (left) and Mohammed Geravandian carried out "a premeditated attack"

A teenager and a 21-year-old man who "brazenly" walked into a bus station and knifed another teenager have been jailed for attempted murder.

Samura Mahdi, 18, and Mohammed Geravandian had attempted to conceal their identities by wearing hoods as they approached an 18-year-old and his girlfriend in Middlesbrough.

The pair were convicted following a trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Mahdi was sentenced to 24 years in prison, while Geravandian was jailed for 24 years and nine months after failing to provide police with the pin number to his phone.

The attack took place shortly after 17:00 GMT on 20 November last year.

'Lucky' to survive

Cleveland Police said CCTV footage showed a fight breaking out, and Mahdi stabbing a male teenager at Middlesbrough bus station.

As Geravandian fled, Mahdi ran towards the girl, before knifing her boyfriend again when he stepped in to protect her.

The victim was taken to Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital in a critical condition after receiving seven stab wounds.

Police said they arrested Mahdi and Geravandian at their respective homes in Nut Lane, Middlesbrough, and Dawley Lane, Thornaby.

Speaking after their nine-day trial, Det Insp Chris Pringle said the pair had carried out "a premeditated attack to murder a teenage boy and his girlfriend".

"The pair concealed their identity before brazenly walking into a busy bus station to commit violence in front of numerous members of the public.

"To try and protect himself, as well as his girlfriend, the victim fought the attackers. However, he was struck numerous times.

"His bravery in that moment meant they were both lucky to have survived, but will live with the trauma of what took place that day for a long time."