In a shocking incident that unfolded earlier this year, police have released body camera footage showing the horrifying moment police officers were attacked with hot oil while on duty.
Mohammed Sarfaraz, a 45-year-old resident of Kingston Park Road, Gosforth in Newcastle, received a nine-year prison sentence handed down by Newcastle Crown Court, as reported by Northumbria Police.
This troubling event occurred in January when a group of five officers arrived to question Sarfaraz regarding a criminal complaint. Upon finding him inside a residence, he began to utter threatening remarks.
Despite the officers’ efforts to calm him down, Sarfaraz escalated the situation dramatically by hurling a pan filled with hot cooking oil at them, injuring two officers—one of whom suffered scarring from the burns.
Following his attack, Sarfaraz barricaded himself in a garage, which led to him being tasered and arrested by the responding units.
The day after the incident, he was charged with several offenses, including affray and attempting to inflict bodily harm with intent. Ultimately, justice was served, and he was convicted after a trial.
According to Northumbria Police, one officer endured severe second and third-degree burns that left lasting scars on his face and chest.
After the sentencing, Detective Inspector Marc Lennox expressed his outrage over the incident, remarking, “This was a shocking incident, which saw Mohammed Sarfaraz attack officers who were attempting to speak with him.”
He continued, “The officers were simply doing their jobs and made numerous attempts to communicate with Sarfaraz about their intentions. However, he reacted by violently throwing hot oil at them in a desperate attempt to escape and denied his actions, despite clear evidence against him.”
Detective Inspector Lennox further stated, “During the interview, Sarfaraz defended his actions by claiming he was merely planning to cook an egg while the officers were there.”
Lennox praised the involved officers for their bravery and professionalism during this frightening experience and expressed relief that Sarfaraz would be incarcerated for an extended duration, allowing the victims to continue their important work.
