Man who attacked police with Molotov cocktail and hatchet is jailed for life

Alexander Dighton, 28 from Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf, was wearing body armour when he carried out the attack outside Talbot Green police station last January.

The shocking footage has now been released and shows the terror of the scene that led to his arrest and ultimate incarceration.

Dighton injured several officers and admitted trying to murder a police officer with a knife and was sentenced at the Old Bailey in London.

Due to the time Dighton spent on remand he will spend a minimum term of 21 years and 235 days before he can be considered for parole.

The court heard he was also made subject of terrorist notification requirements for 30 years.

Dighton arrived at Talbot Green police station in January armed with a hatchet, a pole and Molotov cocktails. Brandishing his weapons, he told PC Stephanie Fleming, who confronted him: “I’m fed up, I’m done.”

Dighton threw one Molotov cocktail at a police van, but it failed to ignite, so he poured petrol onto another and set it alight before using a long wooden pole to smash the van’s windows.

Dighton was tasered and sprayed with Pava spray, but it had no effect.

Alexander Dighton was jailed for life after police attack

He attacked Sgt Richard Coleman in the station foyer, hitting him in the head with the pole, and then punched Det Con Joshua Emlyn.

At this point three police officers attempted to restrain Dighton, and he stabbed Det Con Jack Cotton in the leg, wounding him.

Dighton represented himself in court at a previous hearing and admitted attempted murder with a knife, attempted arson, attacking two other police officers, and threatening a third - pleading guilty to a total of 10 charges.

Two officers were treated in hospital for their injuries.

The judge told the Old Bailey today that the officers were in a state of shock and some thought they were going to die.

Police believe Dighton began planning his attack a month before the incident.