The loved ones of a man who was brutally attacked with an axe have paid a touching tribute to his bravery. The story of Cameron Brooksbank featured in BBC crime documentary The Detectives.
The show follows Greater Manchester Police’s dedicated organised crime unit in Rochdale as they try to bring down the notorious 'Adam' gang in the Newbold Estate. The first episode showed Detective Sergeant Martin Soutter's team dealing with a horror axe attack in October 2017.
The incident was sparked by a bout of road rage and saw a tree surgeon working nearby - then-17-year-old Cameron - attempt to keep the peace. He was struck by the weapon in the armpit and then on his wrist as he blocked a blow aimed at his head, Manchester Evening News reports.
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Cameron's hand was partially severed and had to be reattached, and he required five further surgeries in the two years following the incident just to maintain 60 per cent use of his arm.
In the BBC doc, the tearful teen is seen talking to cops as he goes over the events of the life-changing night. The incident also featured in the two other episodes; one showing a trial that collapsed and the other revealing more details about his life.
Mohammed Awais Sajid, known as 'Skinny', was jailed for 18 years for the attack on Cameron, after being found guilty of section 18 wounding. Brothers Habibur and Zillur Rahman and Arsan Ali were jailed for their roles in the incident.
In last night's final episode, it was revealed that Cameron had sadly passed away earlier this year. His cause of death was not detailed, but his family issued a statement through GMP after the show aired, hailing the bravery of Cameron and the officers who brought his attackers to justice.
They said: "This has been the most terrible time for our family, but we are just one of many that are being supported by GMP, who are constantly being destroyed by these cruel, merciless drug gangs. Everyone can see first-hand how these members proactively target children into drug misuse and debt to become modern-day slaves.
"Also, the bravery of the officers who put their lives on the line must never be taken for granted; they have been so caring and comforting. Martin, Mark and their team have been wonderful, so we want to thank all concerned for everything they have done for our family and the wider borough.
"We thank them for their tenderness with Cameron, who was only 17 at the time of the attack, and the subsequent friendships that followed. People in dependency need medical and social support, but if you are a recreational misuser, please try to reflect and understand not only the dangers you put yourselves in, but also the dangers for so many others in the supply chain.
"We’d also like to thank the public for all the many kind words and praise for our special son and grandson, Cameron whose passing has created such a huge and painful void in our lives.
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"As you can see in the episodes, we have been supported throughout by officers, and programme makers Lou and Ben from Minnow Films. Regardless of the successes in the courtroom, they have carried us throughout this tragic and frightening journey. We will remain eternally grateful for the rest of our lives.
"Thank you so much for everything and the support you all continue to give us through this difficult period. We are extremely proud of Cameron’s bravery and that his personal story will hopefully help raise some much-needed awareness around this topic."
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