Brave neighbours who intervened to protect an elderly woman from being stabbed by her son have been praised for their courageous actions.

In July 2022, Marc Weaver attacked his 73-year-old mother after she returned from a night out. He lay in wait for her at her home in Ellesmere Port before launching his assault.

Weaver, aged 48, repeatedly stabbed his mother as she sat in her car on the driveway. Neighbours Phillip and Geraldine Baddley were alerted by screams and car horn sounds from outside.

Upon investigating, they found Weaver in the act of attacking their neighbour. Geraldine quickly tried to intervene by leaning over the fence and shouting at the attacker.

Philip joined in to restrain Weaver, while Geraldine called the police. Another neighbour, John Harrop, also stepped in, despite the imminent danger.

John tackled Weaver, but was stabbed in the leg during the struggle. Despite his injury, John managed to remove the blade and continued to confront Weaver, who eventually fled.

The police arrived shortly after, discovering that the woman had been stabbed 18 times in various parts of her body. Emergency surgery and months of intensive care and therapy followed, leading to her recovery.

John, who sustained a serious injury, underwent surgery and faced a lengthy recovery period. Philip was left with grazes from the altercation.

Marc Weaver was arrested and charged with several offences, including attempted murder. After a trial at Chester Crown Court, he was found guilty and given an indefinite hospital order.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts acknowledged the bravery of the neighbours, presenting them with Commendations during an awards ceremony at Cheshire Police Headquarters in September.