Headline: Hospital patient honoured for stopping Leeds bombing plot through calm intervention
- 3 days ago
- 1 min read
Why this matters:The intervention likely prevented significant loss of life and highlights the impact of individual actions in crisis situations.
Date: 24 March 2026
Tags: UK News, Security, Crime
Summary:
Nathan Newby stopped a planned hospital bombing in Leeds in January 2023.
He spent two hours persuading attacker Mohammad Farooq to abandon the plan.
Farooq had a pressure cooker bomb containing 10kg of explosives.
Newby engaged him in conversation and built trust to calm him down.
He hugged Farooq and convinced him to call police before acting.
Newby filmed the encounter and helped identify additional weapons.
Armed police arrived and arrested Farooq at St James’ Hospital.
Farooq was later convicted and jailed for at least 37 years.
Court heard he planned to target hospital staff and cause mass casualties.
Newby received the George Medal for bravery from King Charles.
What’s next:Newby’s actions continue to be recognised as an example of civilian bravery. Authorities maintain vigilance against similar threats.
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