DC Stephen Oake

Detective Constable Stephen Robin Oake, a 40-year-old anti-terrorism Special Branch officer with Greater Manchester Police, was murdered on 14 January 2003 during a raid on a flat in Crumpsall, Manchester.

He and colleagues were carrying out an immigration enforcement operation when they encountered Algerian illegal immigrant Kamel Bourgass, who was wanted in connection with the Wood Green ricin bioterrorism plot.

Bourgass, fearing he had been identified, suddenly attacked with a kitchen knife. Unarmed and without protective clothing, Oake went to restrain him and was stabbed eight times in the chest and upper body (one wound piercing his heart), yet continued trying to help subdue the suspect.

Three other officers were also wounded before Bourgass was overpowered. Oake died of his injuries at the scene. 

Bourgass was convicted at the Old Bailey in 2004 of Oake’s murder, attempted murder of two other officers, and wounding of another; he received life imprisonment with a 22-year minimum term (plus further sentences for the ricin plot).

Oake was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal for his bravery.

Rest in peace Stephen. You will not be forgotten.