A MAN from Hereford who stabbed a mother and her baby has been jailed for more than 20 years.

Kamil Kopec, 28, of Hunderton Avenue, pleaded guilty for the attempted murder of the mother and her nine-month-old baby as well as possession of a knife.

At around 3am on July 24, 2019, West Mercia Police said it received a call alerting them to the pair who had both received stab wounds.

The baby was said to have a cut to the head and mother had multiple wounds including a stab wound and cut to her neck. The victims were stabilised by paramedics and then taken to hospital for treatment.

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The house and local area where the incident happened was searched for the suspect who was believed to still be in possession of a knife.

House to house enquires, area searches and a fire service drone was flown to help find the man and his dog.

After a short time, Kopec was found in a nearby bush with his dog. A knife was also recovered at the scene.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Mark Peters, said: "These were some of the worst injuries I have seen, Kopec committed this horrific attack in the victim's home locking them inside.

"The mother showed great resilience and bravery in escaping via a window and gaining help from her neighbours.

"The mother's bravery, neighbours quick thinking and paramedics' life- saving work, along with officers on the scene that found and arrested Kopec quickly, should all be commended.

"I hope that this conviction and sentence goes someway to helping them put this horrific ordeal behind them."

"Kopec has today pleaded guilty of this horrific crime and now faces justice."

Kopec was convicted and sentenced to 21 years behind bars after he entered a guilty plea on the final day of a trial at Worcester Crown Court.