Russel Smith smeared his own faeces over the walls of his cell after he was taken into custody following the targeted attack

A knifeman has been convicted of attempted murder after stabbing a British Transport Police special constable in the neck at a train station.

Russel Smith, 54, knifed the officer in a targeted attack at Preston railway station at around 9.30pm on September 7 last year.

The victim was working at the station to ensure passenger safety during the Radio 2 summer festival.

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Smith approached the officer from behind and was seen repeatedly moving his hand to his trouser pocket where his kitchen knife was concealed.

He then followed the officer outside the station where he stood directly behind him and stared at him with his hand on the blade.

As the officer walked back into the station, Smith pulled the knife out from his pocket, raised it above his head, and ran towards the officer.

He then launched the crazed attack which saw him stab the officer in the back of the neck.

The force of the blow caused the officer to fall forwards. Smith moved in again with the knife as his victim tried to crawl away.

Luckily, a colleague who heard the victim’s screams ran to his aid, causing Smith to back away.

On realising his colleague had been stabbed, he used his captor spray to restrain Smith who dropped the blade while another officer handcuffed Smith.

The officer sustained a puncture wound to the thoracic spine area and it was only by sheer luck that his injury was not life-threatening.

Smith was taken into custody where he smeared his own faeces over the walls of his cell and continued to be violent.

He told police he would attack more officers and asked if the victim was dead.

Smith, of Shakespeare Road, Preston, was found guilty of attempted murder and possession of a bladed article by a jury at Preston Crown Court today, February 27.

He will be sentenced on Monday, April 14.

Assistant Chief Constable Charlie Doyle said: “This was an exceptionally violent, shocking and calculated attack on a uniformed police officer as they were simply doing their job.

“It is a testament to the character of the officer involved that he has now returned to duty and remains determined to fulfil his role as a special constable, protecting the public and keeping the railway safe.

“Police officers, particularly those who take on an unpaid role to protect the public, uphold the law and keep us all safe – and they should be able to do so without fear of violence. On behalf of all of BTP, I am pleased to see justice served today.”