Machete attack left PC 'fighting' for his life

A police officer has described how he was left "fighting" for his life after being attacked with a machete during a routine car stop.

PC Will Hunter stopped a vehicle at a petrol station in Gateshead in August 2024 and questioned the driver about his insurance.

Northumbria Police said Matthew Bello then carried out a "violent assault" on the officer. He was jailed for four years after admitting wounding with intent.

Hunter, who has been awarded for his bravery, said he "could have died" and the attack was unlike anything he had experienced during his 18 years on the force.

"All of my training kicked in, and I did everything I could to stop him from hitting me," he said.

"I could have easily been more seriously injured. I could have died on that day.

"We're here to protect people, not to be attacked."

After the assault in Leam Lane, Northumbria Police said Bello fled the scene in his car, rammed a police vehicle and left Hunter injured in the road. He was later tracked down and arrested in Saltwell.

Bello, 52, of no fixed abode, was originally charged with attempted murder but later pleaded guilty to the lesser charge.

On Monday, he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court where he was jailed for a number of offences. He was also handed a two-year driving ban.

The officer, who has since returned to work, was honoured with the Bravery and Lifesaving Award at Northumbria Police's Pride in Policing Awards.

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Wykes said the officer had showed incredible bravery and should be "extremely proud of his actions".

"It is a privilege to call him a colleague," he said.

"Our officers come to work every single day to make a difference to people's lives - and we want to make it clear that violence against them is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated."

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