In a bizarre and terrifying case of mistaken identity, two men wearing full hazmat suits chased an innocent person down a quiet residential street armed with machetes.
The Audacious Attack
The incident, which was captured on CCTV, took place in Eastfield, near Scarborough. Ben Collins and Samuel Nicholson, both aged 25, pursued their victim in what North Yorkshire Police later described as an "audacious attempt to cause significant harm".
Dressed in the distinctive yellow protective suits, the pair brandished their weapons during the pursuit. Fortunately, the intended victim managed to outrun their assailants and escape without sustaining any serious injuries. It was subsequently revealed that the attackers had targeted the wrong individual entirely.
Justice Served
Following the investigation, Collins and Nicholson pleaded guilty to a series of serious charges. These included possessing an offensive weapon, affray, and attempted kidnap.
As a result of their guilty plea, the Scarborough Magistrates' Court sentenced each man to 28 months in jail. The sentencing took place after the court heard the full details of the frightening ordeal that unfolded on Friday 28 November 2025.
Community Impact and Police Response
The release of the CCTV footage by North Yorkshire Police highlighted the brazen nature of the daytime attack on a peaceful street. Such violent incidents have a profound impact on community safety and public confidence.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violent crime and the importance of robust police work in bringing perpetrators to justice, even when the intended plot goes awry through mistaken identity.
