Man jailed after throwing hot cooking oil at police in Newcastle
A man who threw hot cooking oil at police in Newcastle, leaving an officer with 2nd and 3rd degree burns - has been jailed for almost 10 years
Last updated 21st Oct 2025
WARNING: This article contains video content some viewers might find distressing
A man who threw hot cooking oil at police in Newcastle, leaving an officer with 2nd and 3rd degree burns - has been jailed for almost 10 years.
Shortly before midday on Friday, January 17, five officers attended a residential address in Gosforth in a bid to locate Mohammed Sarfaraz.
They wanted to speak with the now 45-year-old in connection with an ongoing matter.
Sarfaraz was located inside a short time later and began to make verbal threats.
Despite attempts to diffuse the situation, Sarfaraz has proceeded to throw hot cooking oil from a pan towards the officers’ faces – before barricading himself in the garage.
After calls for back-up, he was tasered and swiftly detained by police at the scene and arrested.
For his actions against the officers, he was charged the next day with affray, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
Sarfaraz, of Kingston Park Road in Gosforth, denied all counts but was later found guilty by a jury at Newcastle Crown Court in July.
He was remanded in custody and yesterday (Monday) appeared before the same court – where a judge handed him a nine-year prison sentence.
Two officers were injured from the hot oil in the attack, with one of the victims sustaining second and third degree burns on his skin, leaving him with scarring on his face and chest.
Warning: This video contains contents some viewers may find distressing
Speaking after the result, Detective Inspector Marc Lennox, of Northumbria Police’s Criminal Investigation Department, said: “This was a shocking incident, which saw Mohammed Sarfaraz attack officers who were attempting to speak with him.
“They were simply doing their job, and made countless attempts to communicate with Sarfaraz about their intentions on the visit and why they were there.
“Despite several warnings, he has dangerously thrown hot oil at them in a bid to get away from them – and went on deny his violent behaviour despite overwhelming evidence against him.
“Sarfaraz even defended his actions in interview, claiming he was preparing to cook an egg while officers attended the house.”
Det Insp Lennox added: “I would like to commend those officers involved for their bravery and professionalism in what must have been a fast-moving and terrifying incident.
“I’m pleased to see that Sarfaraz will now spend a lengthy spell behind bars – while the victims continue to move forward with their duties.”