Man jailed after wielding knife in violent disorder incident in Luton
Hamza Arshad brought out the knife during a large fight involving two groups
A man has been sentenced after brandishing a knife during a stint of violent disorder in Luton.
Officers from Bedfordshire Police were alerted to an incident taking place on Dallow Road on January 17th, after reports of a large-scale fight between two rival groups.
CCTV footage of the incident showed Hamza Arshad running to his car to get the knife which he would then wield throughout the fight.
Later in the fight, he was seen lunging at two men in the fight multiple times, before fleeing from the scene in the car, together with two other people.
Police were later able to identify Hamza and arrested him, together with four other people in connection with the incident.
Arshad, aged 23, later pleaded guilty at Luton Crown Court to two counts of causing grievous bodily harm, and further charges of violent disorder and possession of a bladed article.
Receiving his sentencing, Hamza was given a prison sentence of three years on September 18th.
As well as this, three other men have already been sentenced for their roles in the disorder, with the total amount of time being given now reaching 10 years after Arshad's conviction.
Speaking on the case, Detective Constable Chloe Plowman from Bedfordshire Police said: "The violence that broke out in broad daylight, outside a mosque shortly after Friday prayers, was extremely alarming and completely unacceptable.
“Violence of this kind doesn’t just cause immediate injuries – it spreads fear and has a lasting impact on the wider community.
“We remain committed to ensuring that those who arm themselves with knives and resort to violence will be held accountable for the harm they cause."
A 19-year-old currently remains on remand from custody while his case continues.