THIS is the first picture of the two paramedics stabbed in a horror attack yesterday as they screamed for help.
Deena Evans, 39, and Michael Hipgrave were knifed as they responded to concerns for welfare at a Wolverhampton home yesterday.
And horrified witnesses heard a "blood-curdling scream" after the medics entered the property with Deena stabbed in the chest and Michael in his side.
Michael's son Tom has since spoken out, writing on Twitter: "My dad was one of the paramedics stabbed in Wolverhampton.
"It's awful you can't be safe at work. Hope you get better dad."
Daughter Jessica added: “Just my dad trying to do his job. Stop this world because I am so so ready to get off.
“Keep our dad and his colleague in your thoughts.”
Michael is now recovering at home while Deena remains in hospital in a stable condition.
The pair had recently appeared on Inside the Ambulance together, filmed helping an elderly man, 71-year-old Frank, who was suffering chest pains.
West Midlands Police were yesterday praised for stopping the suspected knifeman – Tasering the 52-year-old man and arresting him at the Ashmore Park home.
And speaking to the Sun, her dad Richard Owen said: "From what we know it was just a completely random attack.
"It just seems like she was in the wrong place and the wrong time."
He said the family would not be able to see Ms Evans due to the hospital's coronavirus rules but were thankful for the outpouring of support.
Mr Owen added: "We want to thank the police as well, they have been brilliant.
"Our thoughts are also with the other paramedic.
"She absolutely loves her job and helping people. It’s all she’d ever dreamed of doing. We know that she’ll want to get back on the frontline again as soon as she’s able to."
Just a few months before the attack, Ms Owen had taken to social media to share her love of her work, even during the coronavirus crisis.
She wrote: "We are not immune and are still at risk, yet we risk ourselves coming to treat you, paramedics get sick, paramedics die, and all to treat you."
The mum added: "Please, from all of us, stay indoors, wash your hands, and keep clapping."
And locals recounted their horror as they heard the attack unfold on Stephens Close.
Local resident Anita Millard, 65, said the paramedics arrived with two police officers and forced their way into the home by removing a door panel with a screwdriver.
She said: "The police asked the man's mother to step back and then the girl paramedic went in, followed by the other medic.
All I heard was a blood-curdling scream. He had two knives – I've never seen anything like it.
"Then all I heard was a blood-curdling scream.
"He had two knives – I've never seen anything like it."
Another witness added: "They were shouting 'help us' and repeatedly saying 'he's got a knife, he's got a knife'.
"It was all a blur and happened so fast but I'll never forget those screams. It's the stuff of nightmares."
West Midlands Ambulance Service had been called to the property yesterday when the man's elderly mum became concerned because she had not heard from him all weekend, The Sun understands.
Superintendent Simon Inglis, of West Midlands Police, said: "There were no further injuries to the officers, no further injuries to the gentleman and nobody else was in the property.
"It is too early to say in detail, but it is believed that the gentleman may have been suffering a mental health crisis at this time."
He added that detectives were not looking for any other suspects.
MEDICS KNIFED
Shocked witnesses said they saw the pair being carried into ambulances on stretchers.
One resident said: "It was crazy. There were about a dozen police cars and ambulances on the street within minutes.
"I saw one person being led away in an ambulance, it was professionally handled by the emergency services.
"It must have been hard dealing with your own colleagues, I don't know how you'd keep so calm."
It was crazy. There were about a dozen police cars and ambulances on the street within minutes
Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, Nathan Hudson, said the paramedics had arrived at the scene five minutes after receiving the concern for welfare report about midday.
He said: "While we gained entry into the property two of my staff members were assaulted and stabbed in the chest area.
"They were quickly dealt with by the police officers who were on scene who were able to protect my staff and themselves by detaining the individual involved."
And he expressed his thanks to the police officers who had been at the scene, saying: "Without their help, I probably would have been telling you a very different story."
Mr Hudson added today: "Thankfully, both Michael and Deena are recovering well after yesterday’s ordeal."
'DISGUSTED'
WMAS paramedic Tasha Starkey said she was “disgusted” with the attack on her colleagues.
She tweeted: “Digusted, angry and really upset to read what my colleagues have been through.
“Sending my love to them and those that attended.”
Another West Midlands paramedic Rob Moore added: "This has made me feel sick.
"Thoughts with the crew to make a swift recovery, and thanks to our @WMPolice colleagues for their actions.
"No one should come to work and suffer such harm. Especially when they've come to help people. Speechless."
Source: Read Full Article