Brave passers-by intervened to stop the horrifying attack – which left Natalie Queiroz needing emergency surgery to save her life and that of her unborn baby
PC Roy Beasley and Natalie Queiroz(Image: WMP)
A woman who was repeatedly stabbed in the chest and stomach while she was 36 weeks pregnant has thanked an officer who helped to save her life. Natalie Queiroz was walking through Sutton Coldfield town centre when her boyfriend tried to kill her in a horrifying knife attack.
Brave passers-by intervened to stop the attack, which left Natalie needing emergency surgery to save her life, and that of her unborn baby. Her daughter, who also would have been killed, is now eight-years-old thanks to those who stepped-in.
PC Roy Beasley, a local neighbourhood officer who was on patrol nearby, was one of the first officers on the scene back in March 2016. Along with brave members of the public, he helped detain the offender and begin lifesaving efforts before Natalie was airlifted to hospital.
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Up until now, the pair had only briefly met and not had the chance to talk with each other since the attack eight years ago. As a surprise for Roy, the team arranged for Natalie to present a retirement gift to Roy when he returned to work to collect his medals.
West Midlands Police said he was “speechless” in what proved to be an “emotional moment” for both him and Natalie. For Roy, the major incident was one of the “most impactive jobs” he was part of during his three decades with the police force.
Natalie Queiroz with her MBE in the grounds of Windsor Castle after receiving the award from the Princess Royal
Natalie finally got to thank Roy, and said she “wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Roy and the others who intervened after the attack.” Natalie is a now a White Ribbon Champion who visits prisons, as well as working with the police force to raise awareness of domestic abuse and knife crime by sharing her story.
Her boyfriend at the time, Babur Karamat Raja, 41, was sentenced to 18-years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted murder after stabbing his eight-month pregnant partner, Birmingham Crown Court previously heard.
Have you been affected by crime or domestic abuse? We would like to hear from you. You can contact us by emailing stephanieballoo@reachplc.com