Dramatic CCTV footage shows knifeman caught by police on Clifton Down railway station platform

A teenager who stabbed a man nine times in the chest on his doorstep in one of two attacks in Clifton has been given a life sentence with a minimum of 12 years imprisonment.

Footage showing the arrest of Chanz Maximen, 19, of Sea Mills, at Clifton Down railway station has been released by Avon and Somerset Police.

Maximen was convicted at Bristol Crown Court of five charges - attempted murder, grevious bodily harm and three counts of possessing a bladed article - in relation to the seemingly random attacks on members of the public.

The attacks took place over a four week period in October and November 2019.

In the first attack, which happened on October 30, Maximen knocked on the door of a 52-year-old man’s Clifton home before stabbing him nine times, with one stab wound just millimetres away from his heart.

A month later, on November 20, he walked up behind a 39-year-old man sat on a bench on Whiteladies Road and stabbed him in the face with a cheese knife.

The following day, officers were called to attend a property in Clifton after a 22-year-old woman reported being followed home by a man carrying a knife, who tried to force his way in.

He was disturbed by the victim’s housemate.

After that incident, police followed Maximen along Whiteladies Road and through Westfield Park before catching him on the platform at Clifton Down Railway station.

On him officers found two knives.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Kristina Windsor, said: “The determination and skill of all the officers and staff involved in this case – from the arresting officers, to those who searched Maximen’s house and to the investigation team and forensic experts – has greatly impressed me and they deserve credit in building a case which has resulted in these convictions.

“The very thought of being randomly attacked by a stranger with a knife in your own home or while sat on a public bench is terrifying and I’d like to praise the immense bravery and courage all the victims and witnesses have shown.

“I’d also like to reassure the public that attacks of this nature are extremely rare in Avon and Somerset. When they do take place we take them extremely seriously and put all the resources required into catching those responsible.”