A knifeman who 'frightened' those he 'randomly targeted' during a 'violent' city centre rampage has been jailed. Liam Ellis's 'extremely concerning' and 'aggressive' behaviour was spotted by council CCTV operators, who alerted police.
They first saw him riding an electric bike at around 10.24pm on February 20, blocking the path of a van. Ellis punched the vehicle's wing mirror in Sidney Street, Cambridge, causing it to fold in. A minute later, the 25-year-old approached members of the public and screamed in their faces.
Ellis, who had reached King Street by 10.27pm, fell off his bike and lay in the road before approaching a group outside a pub. After pulling his hood up, he grabbed a man and held a knife to his neck, then pointed the weapon at others nearby. At around 10.30pm, he approached a woman and made two stabbing motions towards her, before using the knife to try to stab the side of a vehicle.
Cambridgeshire Constabulary said earlier CCTV showed Ellis, of Moor Drove, Histon, riding through the area in possession of a knife before the incidents unfolded. An investigation linked Ellis to additional offences, including being seen on CCTV in possession of a multi-tool on June 27, 2025, and stealing a bike from Occupation Road on June 14.
He appeared at Huntingdon Crown Court on Tuesday, May 19, and was sentenced to three years in prison after previously pleading guilty to affray, two counts of possession of a bladed article, theft of a bike and possession of cannabis.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Samuel Andrews said: “Ellis’ behaviour that night was extremely concerning and frightening for those who encountered him. He randomly targeted members of the public, using a knife to intimidate and threaten, and showed a complete disregard for the safety of others. Thanks to the vigilance of CCTV operators, he was quickly identified and brought to justice. We hope this sentence provides reassurance to the community that this behaviour, coupled with carrying a weapon, will not be tolerated.”
