A man has been sentenced to four years in prison after attacking a police officer with a machete during a routine stop in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. Matthew Bello, 52, carried out the violent assault in August 2024 after being pulled over for an insurance check in the Leam Lane area.
The officer, Roads Policing Constable Will Hunter, was slashed in the arm at a petrol station before Bello drove away from the scene. Northumbria Police said Bello fled in his car, rammed a police vehicle during the pursuit and left PC Hunter injured in the road; he was later tracked down and arrested in the Saltwell area.
Bello admitted wounding with intent and was sentenced for offences including possession of a knife in a public place, dangerous driving and driving without insurance. He received a four-year custodial sentence on 22 January 2026 and was also handed a two-year driving disqualification.
PC Hunter has since returned to work. Describing the attack, he said: “I was fighting for my life.” Assistant Chief Constable Steve Wykes praised the officer’s bravery and said violence against police would not be tolerated.
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