Shocking Bodycam Shows Hammer Attack on Paramedics

A man has been jailed for 16 months following a terrifying hammer attack on ambulance paramedics in Bristol. The incident occurred on May 28, 2026, when James Chandler, aged 49, armed himself with a claw hammer. He launched an assault on the crew as they were attempting to depart a property where they had been providing emergency care.

Distressing bodycam footage captured the shocking moment the hammer strike narrowly missed a paramedic's head. The frightened crew were forced to flee for their safety and activate an emergency alert. Avon and Somerset Police swiftly arrested Chandler, who subsequently pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker and threatening with an offensive weapon.

At Bristol Crown Court on July 16, 2026, Chandler received his sentence, with Judge Mr Justice Picton emphasizing the great fear caused to the victim, who believed his life was at risk. The attacked paramedic stated that no one should feel unsafe while performing their duties and expressed hope that the prosecution sends a clear message against violence towards emergency workers.

Mike Jones, Crime & Violence Reduction Manager at South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, condemned the attack as appalling and life-threatening, noting the close range of the hammer strike. He reiterated the trust's commitment to supporting staff and working with police to hold offenders accountable, stressing that such violence will not be tolerated.