New Square police stabbings: West Bromwich brothers jailed

Two brothers who launched a "terrifying" knife attack on police officers at a shopping centre have been jailed.

The victims suffered knife injuries during the violence at New Square Shopping centre in West Bromwich last July.

Parminder Hunjan, aged 37, and Maninder Hunjan, 26, were found guilty of wounding with intent and possession of an imitation firearm at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

They have been sentenced to 10 years and eight years in prison respectively yesterday.

Parminder Hunjan (R) and Maninder Hunjan (L) have been found guilty of wounding with intent

PCs Leon Mittoo and James Willetts were stabbed after trying to question the pair, who had been spotted carrying large backpacks and wearing gloves on the sunny day.

"One of the men ran towards me screaming brandishing something and swinging around erratically," said PC Willetts.

"They continued to run towards us screaming. I could see Leon getting chased so I started heading towards him but then I suddenly felt a massive sharp pain in the back of my head and my helmet went flying on to the floor," he added.

PC Mittoo suffered a slash wound to his forehead and hand, as well as cuts and scratches.

PC James Willetts suffered slash wounds in the attack

The brothers were found in possession of rucksacks containing a "significant stash" of weapons, including a machete, an imitation gun, balaclavas and large quantities of cash, said West Midlands Police.

All motives were considered but no evidence was found linking the brothers to terrorism, the force added.

Chief Supt Ian Green said: "We still don't know why the attack occurred, we may never know the answer to that, what I do know is that our officers saved people's lives that day."

They had previously admitted possessing offensive weapons.

The brothers were found to be carrying a significant amount of weapons, police said