A MAN who took two DLR passengers hostage at knifepoint has today been jailed for five years.

Mohammed Hussain, 20, got on board at Shadwell and brandished the large knife as the train pulled off eastward.

The incident happened early on a Saturday morning last July and saw most of the carriage’s 30 passengers escape through an emergency exit.

Two passengers were left trapped on the train with Hussain, but one of the hostages, a 23-year-old man from West Acton, tackled him and forced the knife from his hand.

Police then used a Taser to restrain Hussain which left him temporarily incapacitated.

BTP Detective Sergeant Fraser Scott, the investigating officer, said: “As Hussain walked down the carriage with the knife a passenger bravely acted to restrain him.

“The man grabbed Hussain by the throat and pushed him to the ground, forcing the knife from his hand.

“As the struggle was taking place police officers boarded the train. The member of public put the safety of other passengers before his own.

“This must have been a terrifying ordeal for those on board that morning.”

Hussain, of Swedenborg Gardens, Shadwell, was sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court after pleading guilty to possession of an offensive weapon and false imprisonment at a hearing in November.

The man who restrained Hussain was given an �800 reward by the court for his courage in saving other passengers.