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Ambulance driver praised for confronting knifeman

News imageLondon Ambulance Service Luke Rapela - a young man with brown hair combed back and a short beard London Ambulance Service
Luke Rapela chased a man who was brandishing the "biggest kitchen knife he had ever seen"

An "exceptionally brave" London Ambulance Service (LAS) worker has been commended for risking his life to tackle a knifeman threatening two women in south-west London.

Luke Rapela rushed to help after one woman ran from a house into the road in front of his ambulance while screaming and in distress, as he drove in Battersea, LAS said.

After stopping the vehicle, Rapela was approached by a man holding a knife about 20ins (50cm) long who shouted that he was going to kill him.

But the father of two chased the man into the house to protect a second woman inside who was under threat and calmed the knifeman down until police arrived.

Recalling the moment the man first confronted him with the weapon, Rapela said: "It was a kitchen knife but the biggest I've ever seen.

"I called for police on my radio and told him to stay back. He then turned and kicked the door of the house open."

As the knifeman went into the house, the woman shouted: "My daughter is in there."

Rapela then followed the man, who continued to threaten him and try to stab him.

The driver, who previously worked in security, said he focused on keeping the man calm until police arrested him.

"I told him my name, he told me his, I was trying to build a rapport.

"At the time I didn't really process the danger I was in."

News imageLAS Luke Rapela, stands holding a certificate and looks at the camera. To his left is a man with a blazer and medals on and to his right is a woman with long blonde hair and a yellow dress on. They are pictured at an awards ceremonyLAS
Rapela received a commendation for his bravery at a recent awards ceremony

He has now been recognised with a chief executive's commendation over his actions on 3 January.

LAS chief executive Jason Killens said: "Luke's actions were exceptionally brave and he showed remarkable presence of mind in an extremely dangerous situation.

"While we would never expect our people to place themselves in harm's way, we are incredibly proud of him for his commitment and courage."

Rapela joined the LAS about a year ago to work in the non-urgent team and hopes to train as a paramedic through the service's apprenticeship scheme.

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