The family of Rochdale axe attack victim Cameron Brookshanks have paid tribute to him following the airing of his story this week in a BBC Documentary
Members of the gang based on the Newbold Estate in Rochdale were said to be involved in the incident which inflicted life-changing injuries on Cameron in October 2017.
He and four tree surgeon workmates were set upon after intervening in a road rage dispute on the estate, trying to help a member of the public.
Brooksbank was left with his arm almost completely severed by the axe and suffered a huge amount of blood loss.
A call from one of Brooksbank’s colleagues to the police is featured in the documentary and reveals how they told the operator that somebody “just took my mate’s hand off with an axe”.
After the attack Brooksbank was taken to hospital where he received life-saving surgery and had his hand partially reattached.
Cameron’s story featured this week fly-on-the-wall series shows Greater Manchester Police’s efforts to bring down an organised crime group known as “The Adam”.
Sadly, during an episode it is revealed that Brooksbank passed away earlier in 2023.
The family said:
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.
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.
As you can see in the episodes, 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.
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.
