Knife thug's 'day of the devil' taunt to police

A KNIFE-wielding attacker told police it was the "day of the devil" as he was arrested minutes after apparently attempting to behead a uniformed British Army officer.

- BY PAUL JEEVES

Shocking footage played in court showed how Anthony Esan attacked Lieutenant Colonel Mark Teeton with two knives as the war veteran walked to his barracks home nearby.

The Nigerian, 25, was due to stand trial for the attack and possession of two bladed weapons but last month pleaded guilty to attempting to murder the soldier.

On the second day of a three-day sentencing hearing, the court was shown footage of Esan during his arrest. Lt Col Teeton was just yards from his front door near Brompton Barracks, in Chatham, Kent, on July 23, 2024.