Dramatic arrest clip and audio of victim's 999 call released as knifeman is jailed

Video and words from SWNS

This is the moment a police officer rugby tackled a teen on a knife attack spree.

The officer is seen taking down Chanz Maximen, 19, on a railway station platform after carrying out his horrific attacks.

Maximen carried out his campaign over a four-week period in October and November 2019 - choosing his victims at random.

He denied six offences at Bristol Crown Court but has now been given a life sentence with a minimum of 12 years imprisonment.

A jury found him guilty of five counts – attempted murder, GBH and three counts of possessing a bladed article.

In the first attack Maximen knocked on the door of 52-year-old Dr Adam Towler in Clifton in Bristol.

He stabbed him multiple times in a frenzied attack - one of the stab injuries was just millimetres away from his heart.

In an emergency call, Dr Towler can be heard saying "I need an ambulance, I am injured" as Maximen hammers on the door in the background.

Dr Towler can be heard calmly saying: "There is a man with a knife who injured me in the vicinity.

"He's shining a light through the door. I believe he is mentally disturbed.

He then tells the call operator: "I'm bleeding - he's battering the door."

Speaking to ITV News West Country, Dr Towler recalled the "randomness" of the attack.

He said: "There was a massive 'woomph' to the side of my chest, which was the first stab wound.

"I guess I felt taken by surprise. Then I sort of went into autopilot mode... he had a knife and he kept coming at me.

"I was trying to keep him calm but he was pushing me down the street.

"I didn't really realise how bad it was until I suddenly felt the cold wetness and realised there was blood everywhere."

Dr Towler told ITV News West Country he could see Maximen had "listened" when he read out his statement in court.

He said: "We had eye contact and we nodded at the end when I wished him and his family luck."

During another attack Maximen walked up behind a 39-year-old man sat on a bench on Whiteladies Road and stabbed him in the face with a cheese knife.

The following day, officers were called to attend a property in Clifton after a 22-year-old woman reported being followed home by a man carrying a knife, who tried to force his way in.

He was disturbed by the victim’s housemate.

Responding to this call, officers sighted Maximen walking on Whiteladies Road and pursued him through Westfield Park and several residential gardens before detaining him on the railway track near Clifton Down station.

He was found to be carrying two knives.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Kristina Windsor, said: “The determination and skill of all the officers and staff involved in this case – from the arresting officers, to those who searched Maximen’s house and to the investigation team and forensic experts – has greatly impressed me and they deserve credit in building a case which has resulted in these convictions.''