Would-be terrorist asked hero patient for a cuddle before telling him to phone police

LocalPolitics
25 Mar 2026 • 7:01 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Nathan Newby, a hospital patient, bravely talked Mohammad Farooq out of detonating a homemade bomb in the maternity wing of St James’s Hospital in Leeds in January 2023.
  • Farooq, a "self-radicalised lone-wolf terrorist" inspired by Islamic State, intended to "kill as many nurses as possible" due to a grievance, and was later jailed for life with a minimum term of 37 years.
  • Mr Newby approached Farooq, who was "swaying" outside, and engaged him in conversation for hours, during which Farooq confessed to having a bomb and showed it to him.
  • He moved Farooq away from the building, and after a prolonged conversation, Farooq asked for a cuddle before instructing Mr Newby to "phone the police before I change my mind".
  • For his life-saving actions, Mr Newby is set to receive the George Medal, the second-highest civilian gallantry award, this Wednesday.

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