A patient in the UK who helped prevent a planned hospital bombing has described how he calmed the attacker by engaging him in conversation and even embracing him, ultimately persuading him to abandon the plot.
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Nathan Newby, 35, intervened during an incident at St James' Hospital in 2023, where he spent around two hours talking to Mohammad Farooq, who had planned an हमला using a homemade explosive device.
Two-hour confrontation at Leeds hospital
Newby, who had been receiving treatment for a chest infection, said he noticed Farooq behaving nervously near a maternity ward. “He looked out of place so I went over to see if he was alright,” he said.
Farooq had been closely watching a bag placed nearby. After gaining his trust, Newby persuaded him to reveal its contents — a pressure cooker bomb containing around 10kg of explosives. A court later heard the device was estimated to be significantly larger than the one used in the Boston Marathon bombing.
“I thought there's no way of getting away now so I might as well stay with the guy,” Newby said, explaining that leaving could have triggered panic.
Building trust to defuse the situation
Newby remained with Farooq, attempting to distract him and understand his mindset. He said he deliberately spoke about his own personal struggles to create a connection and reduce tension.
At one point, Farooq asked for a hug, which Newby agreed to. “He then said, ‘I want you to phone the police before I change my mind,’” Newby recalled.
Using Farooq’s phone, Newby contacted emergency services while subtly recording the interaction. During the call, he also asked Farooq about other weapons. Farooq revealed knives and an imitation firearm, which Newby encouraged him to set aside.
Armed police arrived shortly afterwards and arrested Farooq without the device being detonated.
Court findings and recognition
A trial at Sheffield Crown Court heard that Farooq, a hospital employee, had planned to target staff, particularly nurses, due to personal grievances. He had also previously considered attacking RAF Menwith Hill before switching to the hospital.
Farooq was convicted of preparing acts of terrorism and sentenced to a minimum of 37 years in prison.
Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb described Newby’s actions as “extraordinary”, while prosecutors said his intervention had “almost certainly saved many lives.”
Police also praised his actions, noting how narrowly the attack had been prevented.
Honour for bravery
Newby is set to receive the George Medal, recognising acts of exceptional courage.
Reflecting on the incident, he said the experience only fully sank in afterwards. “It’s just crazy that if I hadn’t been there… he would have gone for it,” he said.
Despite the recognition, Newby played down his actions, saying: “I like to think that anybody would do that… it’s just how I am.”
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 25 March 2026