'Heroic' public praised as Liverpool machete attacker detained

Sean O'Brien was later detained under the Mental Health Act

"Heroic" members of the public have been praised as a man who attacked people with a machete in the street was given an indefinite hospital order.

Sean O'Brien attacked and wounded three men and a woman, and also tried to kill an eight-year-old boy in Anfield, Liverpool in August 2022.

The 34-year-old, of Miriam Road, Anfield, was detained at Liverpool Crown Court

He had previously admitted five counts of attempted murder.

O'Brien, who was described as "quiet" by a neighbour, was arrested in Stanley Park, where police recovered a machete.

He was later detained under the Mental Health Act, and is currently receiving treatment at Ashworth high security hospital in Maghull.

'Dangerous situation'

After the hearing, Merseyside Police praised Carl Baines, bar manager at The Arkles Pub on Arkles Lane, who locked the boy in his pub for safety and then followed O'Brien on to Utting Avenue, shouting warnings to other people.

Liam Fennelly, who was attacked while standing at a bus stop, was praised for staying in the area and helping the injured woman, despite his own wounds.

Another witness, Bobby Wilcox, was cycling home from work and rode ahead to warn shopkeepers to lock their doors when he saw what was happening.

Carl Baines, Liam Fennelly and Bobby Wilcox were honoured for their heroism

All three men were granted a silver award for heroism at the Police Public Bravery Awards in November.

Det Sgt Lee Egerton said the men had acted "very bravely" in "an extremely frightening and dangerous situation".

He described how armed officers arrived at the scene and Mr Baines, Mr Fennelly and others were seen shielding and protecting the 62-year-old woman from any further attack.

He added: "The award commended their heroic actions and of our officers who also intervened which ensured that this incident was able to be dealt with swiftly and without any further injuries in our community during such a frightening attack."