Knife-wielding man jailed following Luton street violence

A man who armed himself with a knife during a violent street disorder in Luton has been jailed.

Police were called to Dallow Road on 17 January after an argument between Hamza Arshad and another man escalated into a large-scale fight involving two rival groups.

CCTV footage captured Arshad running to his car to retrieve a large knife.

He was then seen lunging at two men multiple times during the disorder, before fleeing the scene in his car with two others.

Police later identified and arrested five men in connection with the incident.

Arshad, 23, of Runley Road, Luton, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing grievous bodily harm, and further charges of violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. He was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Thursday (18 September) to three years in prison.

Three other men have already been jailed for their roles in the disorder, including one for knife offences, bringing the total sentences handed down to more than 10 years. 

A 19-year-old remains on remand while his case continues.

Detective Constable Chloe Plowman from Bedfordshire Police’s Boson guns and gangs unit, who led the investigation, 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.”

For more information on how the force is working to reduce the threat of knife crime, visit here.