Saudi Student’s Brave Intervention Stops Sunderland Rape Attempt and Sparks Global Praise

A 23-year-old Saudi student, Hamzah Al Bar, is being hailed as a hero after preventing a violent rape attempt in Monkwearmouth, Sunderland, UK. His quick reaction and fearless intervention not only protected the victim but also ensured the attacker was caught and later sentenced.

On December 30 last year, Al Bar was walking home from a supermarket when he heard desperate screams near a bus stop. He saw a man assaulting a woman and, despite having a dying phone battery and knowing the risks, he immediately ran toward the attacker. He shouted for him to stop, but the attacker fled — prompting Al Bar to chase him down.

Even after being punched in the face, Al Bar managed to restrain the assailant by pinning him down until police and nearby civilians reached the scene. The attacker, 42-year-old Ian Hudson, was arrested on the spot and later sentenced to nine years in prison after being found guilty.

During the sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court, the judge praised Al Bar’s “extraordinary courage and public-spiritedness,” acknowledging that his actions likely prevented a far more tragic ending. Northumbria Police and community members echoed the praise, calling him “Hero Hamzah.”

The victim later said she believed she would have been killed if Al Bar had not stepped in. Court testimony described the attack as “truly horrific,” reinforcing how critical his intervention was during those crucial moments.

This incident has triggered broader reflection in the UK and beyond. At a time when discussions around immigration, safety and community responsibility are increasingly tense, Al Bar’s selfless action stands out as a powerful reminder that heroism knows no nationality.

Authorities hope the case inspires more people to act when witnessing violence and reinforces the importance of civic responsibility. For Al Bar, what began as a routine walk home turned into a life-saving moment — one that earned him respect from the police, the courts and the public worldwide.