Moment samurai sword attacker is fought off by bystanders including man wielding spirit level

Published: 10:27 EDT, 21 October 2026 | Updated: 10:51 EDT, 21 October 2026 Members of the public fought off a samurai sword-wielding attacker during a violent assault.Aaron Messenbird, 32, threatened a small group of people in Milton Keynes at around 9pm on July 30, in what police described as a violent, unprovoked assault.One man tried to protect the group but suffered hand injuries, including tendon damage requiring specialist treatment, as well as rib injuries. Another bystander fought Messenbird off using what appeared to be a spirit level.Messenbird fled but was later seen walking elsewhere still carrying the sword. Messenbird was arrested on August 5 and pleaded guilty to threatening someone with a bladed article, possessing a bladed article in public, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court. Pc Jordan Buchanan-Kay said: 'This was a violent and unprovoked incident in which Messenbird threatened members of the public with a potentially lethal weapon before assaulting a man who had stepped in to protect others.'The victim suffered painful injuries, including damage to a tendon in his hand, as a result of Messenbird's actions.' 32-year-old Aaron Messenbird (pictured), was sentenced to 12 months in prison after threatening people with a samurai sword in Milton Keynes on July 30 Messenbird is seen gesturing to put the sword back into his trousers The Police said: 'This was a violent and unprovoked incident in which Messenbird threatened members of the public with a potentially lethal weapon before assaulting a man who had stepped in to protect others' Police praised the bystanders' bravery but warned the public not to confront someone carrying a weapon, advising people to get to safety and call 999 insteadHe continued: 'I would also like to acknowledge the bravery of the members of the public who intervened and helped prevent this incident from becoming far more serious. Their actions undoubtedly contributed to protecting others from harm.'However, we would always urge people not to put themselves in danger when confronted with somebody carrying a weapon.'The safest course of action is to move to a place of safety and call 999 immediately, providing as much information as possible to help officers respond quickly.'I am pleased that Messenbird has been given a custodial sentence and hope this outcome provides reassurance to the victims and the wider community that violent offending involving weapons will not be tolerated.' Messenbird lived at Wandsworth Place, Bradwell Common, Milton Keynes.