Heroic tree surgeon who survived vicious axe attack to send drugs boss to jail in gripping BBC documentary The Detectives dies aged 24

A heroic tree surgeon who survived a ‘barbaric’ axe attack to send a drugs boss to jail  in gripping BBC documentary The Detectives has died aged 24. 

Cameron Brooksbank, then 17, had his hand almost fully severed – nearly killing him – after he stepped in to defend an elderly woman.

He then provided testimony against his attacker – high-ranking drug dealer Mohammed Awais Sajid – which led to him being jailed for 18 years.

But the sickening attack took a devastating toll on Cameron, who was seen on the BBC Two series The Detectives weeping as he admitted he’d been left ‘messed up’.

Viewers saw him reveal: ‘I got depressed. I tried to do myself in a few times. I got rushed into hospital because I took an overdose. I’m not the same person I was two years ago and I don’t think I ever will be.’

Cameron Brooksbank, then 17, had his hand almost fully severed – nearly killing him – after he stepped in to defend an elderly woman

The sickening attack took a devastating toll on Cameron, who was seen on the BBC Two series The Detectives weeping as he admitted he’d been left ‘messed up’

At the end of the series finale last night, it was revealed that Cameron passed away earlier this year.

Today, it emerged he died aged 24 on June 18. An inquest into his death opened in July but has been adjourned and no date has been set for its conclusion.

Greater Manchester Police have not specified how Cameron died, but have confirmed it is not being treated as suspicious.

In a moving tribute issued after the final episode aired last night, Cameron’s family said his death created a ‘huge and painful void’ in their lives.

READ MORE – Five members of Rochdale grooming gang who repeatedly attacked two young girls ‘like pieces of meat’ two decades ago are jailed for more than 70 years

They said in a statement released by police: ‘Thank you so much for everything and the support you all continue to give us through this difficult period.

‘We are extremely proud of Cameron’s bravery and that his personal story will hopefully help raise some much-needed awareness around this topic.’

Cameron was attacked in October 2017 when he intervened in a road rage incident in the Newbold Estate in Rochdale, Gtr Manchester, where he was working.

He and his workmates came across gangster Habibur Rahman launching a furious tirade at a woman sat in a stationary Citroen.

A trial heard Rahman felt ‘disrespected’ and assembled 20 men for a revenge attack and Sajid almost chopped off Cameron’s hand.

Cameron had to have his hand surgically reattached following the attack but refused to bow to pressure from Sajid and his henchman and twice gave evidence in court.

His bravery was captured in the BBC’s fly-on-the-wall series which followed Greater Manchester Police’s efforts to bring down an organised crime gang (OCG) in Rochdale.

Sajid and Rahman were members of The Adam OCG in the Newbold Estate in the town, where Cameron was working on the day of the attack.

The attack prompted further police efforts to dismantle the gang and a second key witness came forward to finger Sajid as the attacker.

The horrific injuries caused during the unprovoked attack in Rochdale 

Sajid was jailed for 18 years after being convicted of Section 18 wounding at a retrial and his conviction helped to bring down bosses of the OCG.

Cameron’s story touched the hearts of tv viewers, who took to social media to praise his bravery.

His family said in a statement: ‘We’d also like to thank the public for all the many kind words and praise for our special son and grandson, Cameron whose passing has created such a huge and painful void in our lives.

‘We have been supported throughout by officers and programme makers Lou and Ben from Minnow Films, regardless of the successes in the courtroom they have carried us throughout this tragic and frightening journey.

‘We will remain eternally grateful for the rest of our lives.’

Viewers were left shocked when the second witness had earlier been kidnapped by the gang with his three-year-old son from a barber in the town over a drug debt.

They also saw how the gang groomed tearaway teens in the area to deal drugs for them and threatened them with violence if they refused.

Cameron bravely  provided testimony against his attacker – high-ranking drug dealer Mohammed Awais Sajid – which led to him being jailed for 18 years

The gang raked in millions from the supply of heroin, crack and weed and its suspected leader Sajid Hussain laundered it through his kebab shop in the town.

Cameron’s family added: ‘This has been the most terrible time for our family, but we are just one of many that are being supported by GMP, who are constantly being destroyed by these cruel, merciless drug gangs.

‘Everyone can see first-hand how these members proactively target children into drug misuse and debt to become modern-day slaves.

‘Also, the bravery of the officers who put their lives on the line must never be taken for granted; they have been so caring and comforting.’

‘Martin, Mark and their team have been wonderful, so we want to thank all concerned for everything they have done for our family and the wider borough.

‘We thank them for their tenderness with Cameron who was only 17 at the time of the attack and the subsequent friendships that followed.

‘People in dependency need medical and social support, but if you are a recreational misuser, please try to reflect and understand not only the dangers you put yourselves in, but also the dangers for so many others in the supply chain.’

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