
I looked Tube terrorist in the eye on 21/7 and knew he wanted mass murder – what happened next still haunts me 20 yrs on
TUBE TERROR I looked Tube terrorist in the eye on 21/7 and knew he wanted mass murder – what happened next still haunts me 20 yrs on
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
WHEN terrorist Ramzi Mohammed tried to detonate a bomb on London's Northern Line, only one person was brave enough to face him down.
Passenger Angus Campbell stood his ground in the smoke-filled train carriage and ordered the suicidal extremist to drop to the floor.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
9
Tube passenger Angus Campbell ordered terrorist Ramzi Mohammed to drop to the floor after he tried to detonate a bomb on London's Northern Line
Credit: Dan Charity
9
CCTV shows Ramzi (circled in yellow) running away along the Tube platform at Oval station after he attempted the atrocity
Credit: Enterprise News and Pictures
9
Mohammed is responsible for the botched explosion in a tunnel near Oval station in South London on July 21, 2005
Credit: check copyright
Amid the confusion, father-of-three Angus had originally mistaken Mohammed for a victim of the attack on July 21, 2005, and was about to reach out and help him.
But after ushering mum Nadia Baro and her nine-month-old son to safety in the next carriage, he realised the man before him was responsible for the botched explosion in a tunnel close to Oval station, South London.
Now — 20 years on from the attempted atrocity — Angus, 61, of nearby Tooting, recalled how his fury at Mohammed's bid to kill an innocent woman and child gave him the courage to fight back.
He said: 'I realised, 'This is someone trying to commit mass murder', and it's difficult to describe the fear.
'But it's a hollowness, like butterflies in the bottom of your stomach.
'He got on the Tube and looked around and he must have seen he was in close proximity to a woman and child. He stood next to them and went bang. How is that a war? How do you justify that?
'He intended to kill women and children — what's that all about?
'That's not a fair fight, that's not courage. That's cowardice. How dare you be that cowardly.'
'Bolts and nails'
Mohammed, then 23, and three accomplices were trying to replicate the 7/7 bombings that had left 52 dead two weeks earlier.
They attempted to detonate devices on the Tube at Shepherd's Bush, Warren Street and just outside Oval station. A fourth device was intended to go off on the number 26 bus route in Haggerston, East London.
But while the detonators on the devices fired, the main charges did not explode. As a result, there was only one reported injury.
7/7 survivor Dan Biddle and his rescuer Adrian interview
The ensuing manhunt — described by the late Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Ian Blair as 'the greatest operational challenge ever faced' by the Met — set off a chain of events that led to the tragic shooting of Brazilian Jean Charles de Menezes.
He was mistaken for a would-be suicide bomber in one of the force's most notorious botched operations, shot and killed by officers at Stockwell Tube station on July 22, 2005.
Within days, the real suspects were arrested and, two years later, Mohammed, along with Muktar Said Ibrahim, Yasin Hassan Omar and Hussain Osman, was found guilty of conspiracy to murder.
Each was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 40 years.
Angus's incredible courage in confronting Mohammed summed up the mood in the capital after the 2005 bombings as people united against terrorism — a defiance that inspired the We're Not Afraid campaign.
On the day the terror plotters struck, firefighter Angus had been running slightly late to take a training day at Southwark fire station when he boarded the 'relatively empty' carriage at Tooting just after midday.
As the train was rocked by Mohammed's malfunctioned blast, the hero set aside concerns for his own safety to sound the alarm — then confront the extremist himself.
Describing the horrifying attack, Angus, who retired in 2015, said: 'There was just the woman in front of me with her buggy and the kid was messing around.
9
Ramzi pictured on the tube carriage before he tried to detonate his rucksack bomb
Credit: Central News
9
Mohammed, above escaping from the scene after the attack, and three accomplices were trying to imitate the 7/7 bombings that had left 52 dead two weeks earlier
Credit: Metropolitan Police
'She got cross with him and put him in the buggy and he didn't want to be in there. We stopped at Stockwell and quite a lot of people got on from the Victoria line, including the bomber.
"The moment we entered the tunnel a bang went off and it really reverberated because we were in a confined space and the carriage filled with white smoke.
'People were running like you wouldn't believe and (the bomber) was screaming, but the buggy was caught between the stanchions and she couldn't move it.
'I got hold of the buggy and Nadia hit me, she was so panicked. I said, 'No, let me help you'.
'We untangled it and, if you look at the CCTV, you can see we are clinging to each other as we move backwards down the Tube.
'We got to the doors and I thought one man was going to help me, but he didn't, he skipped through. I pushed Nadia through the doors and then I turned round to go and help the man I now know as Ramzi Mohammed.'
He had pulled the alarm as he ushered Nadia to the neighbouring carriage and the Tube slowed down.
He intended to kill women and children — what's that all about? That's not a fair fight, that's not courage. That's cowardice
The scene that then unfolded before Angus still haunts him. He explained: 'I slowly walked towards him (Mohammed) and I could smell what I thought was burning hair.
'He started getting really aggressive and said, 'I'm going to kill you' a number of times.
'I was shouting at him, 'Lie the f*** down'. He pointed at me and said, 'You are wrong and this is all wrong'.
'I looked down at the rucksack and saw this yellow mass popping and fizzing, and within that is nuts and bolts and nails.
"I realised, 'OK this is serious'. I started taking big steps back and both doors had now shut so I really was on my own.
"The train driver comes on the Tannoy and there was a little microphone, and I scream into it, 'It's me! Don't open the doors, we've got him, get the police'.
'The bomber starts kicking and prying at the doors and getting really aggressive when all of a sudden, the doors open and he goes.'
'Deprived of a dad'
The confrontation became a key scene in this year's Disney+ drama, Suspect: The Shooting Of Jean Charles De Menezes.
A day after the failed bombings, the 27-year-old was wrongly pinpointed as one of the terrorists and tailed by cops, before officers fatally shot him in the head at Stockwell.
Angus has fretted that if the train doors had not opened, and if he had managed to detain Mohammed, de Menezes' life might have been spared.
But he refuses to blame London Underground for what happened.
He said: 'All I had to do was hold on to him, and someone on the platform might have been able to help me keep him there, but I doubt it. He was young and scared and he took off.
9
Father-of-three Angus, 61, recalls how his fury at Mohammed's bid to kill an innocent woman and her child gave him the courage to fight back
Credit: Dan Charity
9
'Everyone says, 'Why didn't you tw*t him on the nose?'. But I was really frightened, and it's important to have the balls to admit that. I was scared, of course I was. It was frustrating they opened the doors because we had him.
'He wasn't going to come past me and get back to the passengers he had already tried to kill.
'He was trapped and I was bigger than him.
I looked down at the rucksack and saw this yellow mass popping and fizzing, and within that is nuts and bolts and nails. I realised, 'OK this is serious'
'As he ran away I shouted, 'Stop him,' and a few people tried. One old boy tried to trip him up and another geezer tried to grab him.
'Good for them, but he was long gone.'
Acknowledging how devastating the consequences could have been if Mohammed's bomb had detonated, Angus said: 'I should be part of the Northern Line.
'I would have been sprayed all over that carriage, we were that close.
'My youngest son was six weeks old on July 21 and I would never have known him and he would never have known me.
'He's now 20 and doing fine at university and having a fantastic life, but he would have been denied a parent for all that time if Ramzi Mohammed had succeeded.
"That's awful, isn't it? He would have been deprived of a dad and my wife and children would have suffered hugely if I had been taken away from them.
'To be denied 20 years just because of someone's ideology — it's not right and, with hindsight, there is real anger.
'I think, 'What gives you the right to do this to others and me? I've done nothing to you'.'
Angus, who was reunited with Nadia at the would-be bombers' 2007 trial, now works as a tour guide in the capital.
Not only does he regularly take the Tube, he often sits in the exact spot where he could have died.
He said: 'I get the Tube all the time and I often sit in the same seat, third carriage down, main doors, second seat on the right.
'I think it's important because, if I was to avoid it, that means he's winning, doesn't it?
I get the Tube all the time and I often sit in the same seat, third carriage down, main doors, second seat on the right. I think it's important because, if I was to avoid it, that means he's winning, doesn't it?
'Sometimes, it can be difficult. If someone gets on the Tube with a big rucksack and sits in close proximity to me, I can get fidgety.
'And it takes huge self-discipline not to get up and move myself away.
'But sitting in that seat is winning. If you change your behaviour, then they win.'
Angus, who thanked The Sun for commending his bravery in our leaders column, added: 'We British are quite reserved, but there's something about us.
'It's called backbone, and we've got a lot of that, we really have."
9
Muktar Said Ibrahim, left, and Ramzi Mohammed, right, being arrested on July 29th 2005
Credit: check copyright

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Jay Slater's pal reveals chilling last text she sent him before he died as key witness ‘unwilling to give evidence'
Scroll down to read the latest on the Jay Slater inquest JAY EVIDENCE Jay Slater's pal reveals chilling last text she sent him before he died as key witness 'unwilling to give evidence' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JAY Slater's close pal has revealed the last chilling text she sent him before he died - as a key witness is "unwilling to give evidence" on his death. The Brit made a heartbreaking final call to Lucy Mae Law, 20, saying he had cut his leg, was lost and dehydrated just before Jay vanished last year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 The inquest into the death of Jay Slater is set to continue today Credit: Pixel8000 5 Jay's pal Lucy Law - one of the last people to him alive in Tenerife - is giving evidence Credit: Instagram 5 Jay's mum Debbie Duncan arriving at Preston Coroner's Court Credit: CHRIS NEILL Lucy made several revelations as she spoke to the Slater family barrister - including what the pair's final text said. The coroner read out a message Lucy sent Jay that read: "Go back to wherever the f*** you have just come from before it gets boiling." She also believes that Jay gave no indication that he was in trouble or had a bad experience at the Airbnb where he spent his final hours. But during their final phone call at around 8.30am, Jay did tell her he didn't know where he was and that he "couldn't go back". Lucy added that Jay's decision making may have been impaired due to the alcohol and drugs he had taken the night before. Lucy and Bradley Geoghegan, friends Jay was on holiday with, and Ayub Qassim and Steven Roccas, who Jay went to the Airbnb with, all failed to attend the first inquest hearing in May. An emotional plea from Debbie to trace them and compel them to give evidence prompted coroner Dr James Adeley to postpone the inquest until today. But staff at the coroner's office said they have been unable to make contact with another witness - Brandon Hodgson. The family's barrister Lois Norris said Hodgson "appeared unwilling to give evidence" from a message thread. Efforts to contact Stevcen Roccas were also unsuccessful. Apprentice bricklayer Jay flew to the Spanish island last June to attend the NRG music festival in Playa de las Americas with two friends, Lucy and Brad. After a night of partying on June 17, the teen, of Oswaldtwistle, Lancs, travelled to an Airbnb apartment in Masca with two men - Qassim and Roccas. Evidence heard during the inquest suggested that after Jay left the Airbnb and failed to get a bus or taxi, he attempted to walk back to his own apartment before falling from a height into a ravine. A huge search was launched before his body was found in a steep and inaccessible area, near the village of Masca, on July 15. 5 Ayub Qassim, who Jay went back to the Airbnb with, is giving evidence via videolink at today's inquest 5 Lucy's evidence today came after Brad spoke to the court - and convicted drug dealer Qassim gave his side of the story. Qassim, one of the final people to see Jay alive, addressed the hearing via videolink from another country. Preston Coroner's Court today heard how Jay had taken drugs and drank alcohol on a night out before his death. Friend Bradley said Jay had taken ecstasy pills and cocaine, and possibly ketamine. He told the coroner that Jay had been forced to leave a club as he was drunk, and decided to go to an Airbnb with two men they had met on holiday. The next morning, Jay called Bradley while walking along a road after leaving the Airbnb and was "still under the influence" according to his friend. Bradley said he told Jay to get a taxi as it was a 14-hour walk back, but Jay said he would call him back. The next witness, Ayub Qassim, said he and his friend Steven Roccas met Jay while in Tenerife. He said Jay had asked if he could go back with them to their Airbnb, which he then drove them to in the early hours of June 17th. The coroner asked whether about whether Jay had stolen a watch after two Snapchat messages appeared to reference an expensive watch being taken But Qassim insisted Jay had not stolen a watch, and suggested he could have just been boasting to friends. Qassim told the hearing there had been no altercations at the Airbnb, and that Jay chose to leave in the morning despite saying he would give him a lift back to his apartment later in the day. A hearing in May heard how a post-mortem concluded Jay suffered a heavy fall from height and the devastating effects would have been immediate. The inquest is due to resume tomorrow, where coroner Dr James Adeley will sum up his findings. Scroll down to read the latest on the Jay Slater inquest...


Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Sick thieves steal Scots food bank donations forcing it to SHUT in vile raid
The break-in has forced services, the food bank, kids and craft clubs to close HEARTLESS Sick thieves steal Scots food bank donations forcing it to SHUT in vile raid Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THIEVES smashed their way into a church then trashed the vestry, raided the baptismal font before swiping donations for a food bank. Councillor Fiona Hennebry revealed the crooks used a fire extinguisher to smash open a safe containing cash earmarked to feed the hungry and even stole groceries given for emergency meal packs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Dalmuir Barclay Church has been forced to cancel food bank sessions after donations were stolen 3 Fiona Hennebry says the church would have helped the thieves if they were in need 3 Cash to pay for groceries and food for needy families was stolen during the break-in Credit: GETTY She runs the pantry and says drop-in sessions have been scrapped alongside craft and kids clubs after the break-in at Dalmuir Barclay Church in Clydebank which saw the vestry and baptismal font ransacked. Shocked kirk workers are still taking stock of what is missing amid fears valuables used in services were nicked with police claiming some items were irreplaceable. She told The Scottish Sun: 'Volunteers discovered a fire exit had been smashed open. 'The safe had been bust open and a four-figure sum which was for the food pantry was taken. 'We have fresh food in our fridge and freezer, as well as dried goods and tins and some of that was gone too. 'The vestry had been broken into and the baptismal font disturbed while they were looking for valuables. 'It's been very disheartening because this has a big impact on the church and the wider community. 'Our kids club where children come to play and get a free meal during the summer has had to be cancelled, alongside our craft group and two pantry sessions. 'If somebody was that much in need, they should have came to us, we would have helped them.' Ms Hennebry, who serves the area on West Dunbartonshire Council, says services have also been axed until at least the weekend. Big Brother star ordained as a deacon after turning to the church – 20 years on from finishing runner-up on reality show The children's summer club had to be dropped while police forensics teams swept the building after the night-time break-in. Doors to at least nine cupboards have been broken and the minister's desk in the vestry rummaged through. A cover placed over the font when it is not being used to baptise babies was pulled off and ditched. Councillor Hennebry added: "So many people rely on the food pantry. "The clubs are also really important for children who might not otherwise get a hot meal that day or for people who might be struggling with social isolation. "The community is rallying around us and we are very thankful for that." Staff and volunteers are taking an inventory in a bid to discover whether valuable crosses, candlesticks and religious items were taken during the raid between 2.40am and 3.50am on Wednesday. Police Scotland's Detective Inspector Pamela Grant said: 'Break-ins and thefts like this are not victimless crimes. 'There's a financial loss of the stolen items and a cost to repair damage caused. 'However, some of the items taken cannot be replaced and this has an even bigger impact on those who attend the premises. 'I'm appealing to anyone with information about what happened, or the current whereabouts of the stolen items, to come forward. 'I'd also ask anyone with private CCTV, doorbell or dash-cam footage from the area in the early hours of Wednesday morning to please review this and bring anything of significance to our attention.'


Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Brits will be BANNED from drinking booze at 6 seaside spots in new crackdown that could see you hit with £1,000 fine
BEER FEAR Brits will be BANNED from drinking booze at 6 seaside spots in new crackdown that could see you hit with £1,000 fine Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITS will be banned from drinking booze at 20 seaside spots in a new crackdown that could see you hit with a £1,000 fine. The new ban is part of extended measures to protect the environment and combat antisocial behaviour. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The new orders will preserve "the natural beauty and tranquillity" of Studland Beach Credit: Alamy Dorset Council has confirmed the extension of a range of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) which last for three years. The council said: "The PSPO's aim to reduce anti-social behaviour and enhance community spaces for everyone to enjoy." Those extended for a further three years include bans on drinking booze in public spaces, aggressive begging and feeding of gulls. The PSPO targets persistent anti-social behaviour that has a detrimental impact on others including possession, supply or use of intoxicating substances and the anti-social drinking of alcohol according to the council's website. Read more News PLANE HORROR Plane crashes and OVERTURNS on runway at UK airport after 'error' by pilot, 84 In addition to the extensions, two new PSPOs have been introduced including a ban on camping at Studland Beach to "protect this sensitive coastal environment". Anyone caught camping on the beach overnight will face fines of up to £100. An order forbidding the lighting of fires and barbecues had also been expanded to cover more areas of the county's heathland and forests to prevent wildfires. Councillor Gill Taylor, Portfolio Holder for Health and Housing at Dorset Council, said: 'Renewing our existing PSPOs means continuing the important safeguards that have been in place for several years—protections our residents have told us they value. 'In addition to these renewals, we're introducing two new Orders: one to help preserve the natural beauty and tranquillity of Studland Beach, and another to protect our rare heathland habitats, which are home to some of the UK's most endangered wildlife. 'Dorset should be an enjoyable place for our residents and visitors alike. By working with our partners, these Orders help us to deal with a small minority of people who can spoil it for others.' Tragic Kite Surfing Accident at Portland Harbour Claims Life of Man in His 70s Breaking a PSPO is a criminal offence and you can be handed a £100 fixed penalty notice on the spot. And if you don't pay, you could be taken to court and fined a whopping £1,000. The Dorset Council website says: "Issuing a fine is our last resort, where all other measures have not worked." Shaun Milton, Group Manager for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service welcomed the expanded fire-related restrictions, citing the devastating Wareham Forest fire in 2020 as a stark reminder of the risks posed by open flames in natural areas. 'We fully support these measures. Preventing fires before they start is the most effective way to protect lives, property, and the environment.' Forestry England also endorsed the move, stating: 'We've seen the damage that careless use of BBQs and campfires can cause. These new protections are a welcome step in preserving Dorset's forests for future generations.' Earlier this month, The Sun reported how one of Britain's busiest beaches had announced a huge crackdown on anti-social behaviour as temperature's skyrocketed. Dorset Police revealed that it was deploying extra patrols around Bournemouth seafront as thousands were due to descend on its sandy beaches. The increased security comes after a huge brawl broke out on the beach last month, with topless youths hurling glass at police officers. A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was put in place for the coastline from Sandbanks to Highcliffe, and gave police the power to deal with people who were aggressive, urinating in public, swearing, playing loud music or lighting a BBQ between 7am and 6pm. Officers also asked disruptive individuals to leave the beach, where necessary.