What are bladed and blunt force weapon attacks?
An attack using a bladed weapon, blunt force weapon or equivalent is a close quarters attack using items that are commonly available domestically in the UK. Such weapons could be used in an assassination against a single target, or as part of a more indiscriminate attack against multiple targets. The threat of harm from a bladed or blunt force weapon also offers the terrorist a potential method of crowd control, using the threat of violence to manipulate victims. These weapons are favoured by attackers due to the overall simplicity and availability. They are also relatively easy to conceal and require limited or no training to use.
Methodology
An attacker undertaking a bladed or blunt force weapon attack will normally be on foot, and whilst the attack may be sudden and unexpected, all victims must be within striking distance. The use of such weapons for a long period of time is tiring for the attacker but nonetheless prolonged attacks remain a possibility.
A bladed weapon attack may be combined with other attack methodologies, for example at the end of a Vehicle As a Weapon attack or prior to the detonation of a person borne IED (PBIED).
Case studies
Recent examples of bladed weapon attacks in the UK are the June 2017 London Bridge and March 2017 Westminster attacks, and November 2019 Fishmongers Hall. Further examples of bladed weapon attacks in the UK include the murder of Rt Hon Jo Cox MP by Thomas Mair in 2016, and the Stanwell Stabbing carried out by Vincent Fuller in 2019.
Another notable attack using a bladed weapon was that of Sir David Amess MP. Sir David was fatally stabbed during a constituency surgery in Leigh-on-sea, Essex by Ali Harbi Ali in October 2021. Ali targeted Sir David because of the way he had previously voted in relations to Syria but had originally identified Cabinet Minister Michael Gove.
Protective security guidance links
For additional information on protective security options to protect against bladed and blunt force weapon attacks we recommend: