Cambridge man jailed after knife-fuelled city centre rampage
Violent incidents across multiple streets left members of the public terrified before police intervened
Last updated 20th May 2026
A man who carried out a series of violent and threatening incidents in Cambridge city centre has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Police were called on the evening of 20 February after council CCTV operators reported aggressive behaviour involving 25-year-old Liam Ellis in the city centre.
The disturbance began at about 10.24pm in Sidney Street, where Ellis was seen riding an electric bike. During the incident, he blocked a van in the road and struck one of its wing mirrors, causing it to fold inward.
Moments later, he reportedly approached several members of the public, shouting aggressively and behaving in an intimidating manner.
By around 10.27pm, Ellis had travelled into King Street, where he fell from his bike before confronting a group gathered outside a pub. Witnesses saw him pull up his hood, grab a man and press a knife to his neck before brandishing the weapon at others nearby.
Soon after, Ellis allegedly targeted a woman in King Street, making stabbing gestures toward her before attempting to drive the knife into the side of a vehicle.
Investigators later reviewed CCTV footage showing Ellis carrying a knife earlier in the evening before the incidents escalated.
Police enquiries also connected him to separate offences, including possession of a multi-tool captured on CCTV in June last year and the theft of a bicycle from Occupation Road on 14 June.
At Huntingdon Crown Court on Tuesday, Ellis, of Moor Drove in Histon, was jailed for three years. He had previously admitted charges including affray, two counts of possessing a bladed article, bicycle theft and cannabis possession.
Detective Constable Samuel Andrews, who investigated, said: “Ellis’ behaviour that night was extremely concerning and frightening for those who encountered him. He randomly targeted members of the public, using a knife to intimidate and threaten, and showed a complete disregard for the safety of others.
“Thanks to the vigilance of CCTV operators, he was quickly identified and brought to justice. We hope this sentence provides reassurance to the community that this behaviour, coupled with carrying a weapon will not be tolerated.”