The brothers were carrying backpacks hidden with weapons – including a knife and a mock weapon – when they launched a frantic attack on West Bromwich. The two police officers – who were patrolling the mall – were terrified that they would “bleed in a few minutes” during the horrific attack.
Frightened shoppers ran out of the New Square mall as Pc Leon Mittoo and Pc James Willetts argued with brothers on the morning of July 21 last year. The security guards at the mall and other officers on the scene were forced to lead the crowd to safety and intervened to help restrain the brothers. READ MORE: The first photos of brothers with knives being killed by police in the West Bromwich Mall Both brothers now face time behind bars, after jurors today condemned them for the knife attack. Police were on patrol to reassure the public following the recent violence in the city. Additional powers, known as those of section 60, were given at that time to conduct posture and search checks. The brothers were first spotted outside the Boots carrying large black backpacks and wearing thick coats and gloves – something that was unusual clothing during a mid-July heatwave. With them came a woman – who was inside the Boots – and the trio headed to the New Square via an escalator. Parminder Hunjan, 37, and Maninder Hunjan, 26, acquitted of attempted murder Pc Mittoo decided to look for the couple according to the Section 60 command in their place, so he accelerated a slow run to catch them. He asked them to stop but they could not slow down. Pc Willetts then spotted his colleague marking the trio and walked over to them, but the situation quickly escalated. Parminder dropped his backpack on the floor and began searching for it before removing a long black object, which police later confirmed was a knife. Pc Mittoo used his Parva spray to try to disarm Parminder, who threw the object back into his bag – but got up again and started chasing the officer with a knife in his hand. Maninder also cut Pc Willetts with a knife and the wound later stuck to the hospital. Read more related articles Read more related articles Pc Willetts said: “It was 30 degrees, it was the hottest day we’ve had in a long time, everyone was enjoying themselves eating ice cream, in shorts and T-shirts, so it seemed very strange to walk. with inflatable coat and heavy backpacks. One of the men ran towards me screaming, waving something and wandering around erratically. “They kept running towards us screaming, I could see Leon being chased, so I started heading towards him, but suddenly I felt a huge sharp pain in the back of my head and my helmet fell to the floor.” One witness described seeing Maninder attempting to stab Pc Willetts in the head at least three times. Pc Willetts added: “I could see Leon being chased by Parminder, who was still wielding the knife. wrong place and you may bleed in minutes. “There were a lot of people around screaming, we had a sense that there were children nearby. The shops had their shutters closed, making sure the people inside were safe. You do not think of yourself, you think of everyone else. James Willetts Computer Injured (Image: WMP) “We are glad we stopped them and not someone else, like the security staff. They were not wearing the protective equipment we were and they are wonderful people, so you would not want any of them to be injured.” Despite bleeding from their injuries, both police officers managed to stay calm and arrest the brothers and prevent any member of the public from being injured. Pc Mittoo suffered a wound to his forehead and arm, as well as cuts and scratches. He said: “I was extremely scared, I thought when I was on the floor I knew he had already cut me once, I will be honest I thought I would die. I just thought this is for me now. “Fortunately we managed to beat them, but it was not easy and it was extremely scary for the audience. It was very crowded that day, the mall was crowded. “Given the objects we found on them, it was a very lucky escape. It was truly a miracle that we were only slightly injured.” Once the pair were restrained, Pc Willetts was able to assess his injuries. A backpack with weapons found (Image: WMP) He said: “I looked down and my cutlery was torn and there was blood on the side. Leon then shouted over your head and I raised my hand to my back, I looked at it and it was full of blood. “But I kept looking at Leon and I was more worried about him.” The brothers were found in possession of identical backpacks containing an important weapons depot. That included a machete, an imitation weapon, balaclava and large quantities of cash, West Midlands police said. Both officers, who received advice and support, said they were not considering leaving the force. Pc Willetts said: “If there is one thing that you want to stay in the job longer, it is because it shows the dangers out there.” Pc Mittoo added: “Fortunately I’m working with some brilliant people and the West Midlands police have really supported me in the process. It was a terrible incident, but not for a moment did I think of giving it up.” The couple was convicted of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm in connection with PC Willetts and possessing a firearm in order to cause fear of violence in Wolverhampton Crown Court today. Parminder was convicted of intentionally causing grievous bodily harm in connection with PC Mittoo, but Maninder was acquitted. The jurors acquitted the brothers of an assassination attempt – which they also denied – after a five-hour, five-minute discussion. They had previously admitted to possessing offensive weapons. Both men will be sentenced on May 9. Stay up to date with the latest from the area with ours Black Country Email Updates . 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