'Police saved my life after my partner stabbed me'

Laura has described the two officers who saved her life as "amazing"

"I remember I was sort of in and out of consciousness, being strangled. And then the stabbing."

When Laura dialled 999 about her partner having a mental health episode in the early hours of 2 August last year, little did she know the call would end up saving her own life.

Her partner then began to attack her, which culminated in Laura being stabbed seven times.

By chance, PC Jack Milman and PC Tom McGrath, who were in the area looking to charge their bodyworn cameras, made it to her home in minutes and were confronted with a scene they described as "horrific".

Laura has been reunited with PC Jack Milman (left) and PC Tom McGrath (right)

Warning: This article contains an image that some readers may find graphic

The officers said they found the defendant in a small kitchen with one arm around Laura's neck and an eight-inch knife in his other hand, which he then used to stab her in the chest.

Within 12 seconds, PC Milman disarmed the suspect, while PC McGrath pulled the victim away to prevent further stabbing and took quick action to stem her bleeding.

PC Milman said: "It was actually an extremely fortuitous turn of events.

"We would have been 20 minutes away instead of six.

"I've probably had the call of 'somebody's got a knife' about a thousand times.

"That's not uncommon, but you sort of learn to have a sort of sixth sense for ones that sound a little bit more."

'Blood absolutely everywhere'

"All we could hear was the screaming," PC McGrath said.

"It was horrific. That's the only word I can use to describe it.

"We walked in. There was blood absolutely everywhere on the floor.

"We just had to improvise and do the best for [Laura], really."

PC McGrath noticed one of the victim's stab wounds was bleeding profusely and used his fingers to stem the flow.

He added: "I think any colleague who'd have walked in there would have done the exact same thing."

Laura was stabbed seven times during the attack and required two emergency surgeries

In addition to the seven stab wounds, one of which was life-threatening, Laura also suffered a collapsed lung and broken rib and required two emergency surgeries, as well as ongoing treatment.

Laura added: "I can't put into words how grateful and thankful I am for them.

"This has affected me massively. These officers decided to intervene; the man who attacked me was dangerous and strong.

"I've found my purpose now, and without them both saving my life, I wouldn't have this new purpose to be able to help survivors or help prevent these things, maybe, in the future."

The officers have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025 for their actions to save the life of Laura, whose surname has been withheld.

Both officers say they are "shocked" to have been nominated for a bravery award

The defendant was charged with attempted murder and intentional strangulation.

He was deemed unfit to stand trial but, at a trial of the facts, was found to have committed the alleged act.

At a hearing later this month, the court will have the option of making a number of treatment orders or an absolute discharge.

Leicestershire Police Federation chair Andy Spence said: "On that critical night, Jack and Tom's courageous actions were instrumental in saving a life and apprehending a dangerous attacker.

"Displaying remarkable bravery, they confronted and subdued an individual armed with a knife, showing no regard for their own safety.

"Their quick thinking and decisive actions prevented a potentially tragic outcome."

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Additional reporting by Ady Dayman and Sarah Hawley