Glasgow's "have a go" baggage handler hero

Times:

A baggage handler who helped to foil Saturday's terrorist attack on Glasgow airport has become an internet star, with a tribute website set-up in his honour describing him as a Scottish hero in the mould of William Wallace.

BAA worker John Smeaton told reporters how he had helped a police officer to restrain the suspects after a burning Jeep Cherokee, which was doused in petrol and packed with gas cylinders, crashed through the window of the departures lounge on Saturday.

In a series of television interviews with the BBC, ITV and CNN broadcast around the world, and viewed thousands of times since they were posted on YouTube, Mr Smeaton described how his first thought on being confronted by the two suspects in the burning vehicle was: "What's the score? I've got to get this sorted."

Spotting a terrorist suspect grappling with police, Mr Smeaton thought: “You’re nae hitting the Polis mate, there’s nae chance.”

He told interviewers: "There was a guy in flames. You just don't expect to see that on a day at work, especially at Glasgow Airport.

"So I ran straight towards the guy, we're all trying to get a kick-in at him, take a boot to subdue the guy."

Mr Smeaton, from Erskine, in Renfrewshire, physically fought with the attacker until he was brought to the ground.

A website called Johnsmeaton.com has been created hailing his effort, and has already been deluged with scores of tributes and humorous comments.

...

Watch John Smeaton describe the incident

Those who step up in a time of crisis deserve special praise. Just hearing a Scot talk about his efforts is pretty interesting.

This BBC clip is even better. Smeaton has a very expressive face and uses his hands to communicate. Scottish English is different from Texas English, but he is still understandable.