Bravery of members of public commended as man is jailed for brutal attack on then-partner

Members of the public have been praised by police after they helped apprehend a man who was later convicted for brutally attacking his then-partner in the street.

Arif Ahmet Alidov, 51 (20.06.73) from Edmonton, was found guilty following a trial at Wood Green Crown Court on 29 January of attempted murder, threats to kill, assault with intent to rob, possession of an offensive weapon, ABH, and strangulation.

He was to 26 years' imprisonment on Friday, 12 April at the same court.

On 6 July 2022, Alidov attended the woman's work place whilst she was working. He approached her from behind and pulled her by her hair in an attempt to drag her off the premises.

Colleagues intervened but Alidov grabbed her again before pushing her to the floor, making her lose consciousness.

Later that day Alidov made threats to kill her over the phone. During the phone call, he stated “If you try and call the police and tell them about this, I will kill you”. During that call, Alidov also said that he would make sure that her body would not be found if he did.

A day after these threats were made Alidov fled to Bulgaria.

In an attempt to take away her freedom to prevent her from leaving him, Alidov took his partner’s passport.

On his return to the UK on 29 August, the victim received a message from a phone number belonging to one of Alidov’s relatives stating that they would meet her to return the passport to her.

When she arrived at the agreed meeting point Alidov was there instead, waiting for her. Alidov then beat her, strangled her and again threatened to kill her.

The following day the victim once again met Alidov in an attempt to get her passport back. On this occasion, Alidov punched her, causing her to fall to the floor. He then stabbed her several times, leaving her unresponsive.

Police were called to the scene by passing members of the public. When officers arrived Alidov had been restrained by the public. The victim was also supported by an off-duty nurse who stayed with her until the ambulance arrived.

Alidov was arrested and taken into custody.

Detective Constable Bex Heitlinger, from the safeguarding team who led the investigation, said: “This is a really serious case of a domestic abuse. On several occasions Alidov inflicted horrific violence on his then partner of eleven years. The final incident of violence led to her being stabbed and left in a critical condition.

“I would like to personally thank members of the public who administered first aid to the victim and who detained Alidov while they waiting for police to arrive. Without them, the situation may have had a very different outcome.

“I would like to use this as an opportunity to reach out to victims of domestic violence and let them know that there is help out there for you. Please contact 999 if you are in immediate danger and alternatively, call 101 or Crimestoppers to get the help you need.”

Following the stabbing on 30 July 2022, Alidov’s partner received life-saving treatment at the hospital. Thankfully she was later discharged.

+ If you are experiencing domestic abuse or know someone who you think is a victim, call police or Crimestoppers. If you cannot talk, dial 999 and press 55 to let the operator know the call has not been made in error.