Latest news with #PoliceBraveryAwards
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Nigel Farage accused of 'offensive' attack on female cops after 'big strapping officers' call
Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson has accused Nigel Farage of peddling 'divisive, outdated nonsense' after he called for 'big strapping' officers on the beat after branding Britain 'lawless' Nigel Farage has been accused of an "offensive" attack on female police officers after calling for "big strapping" officers on the beat. Labour's policing minister, Dame Diana Johnson, said female cops put themselves in harm's way every day as she branded Mr Farage's remarks "woefully out of touch" She accused him of peddling "divisive, outdated nonsense" that undermine frontline officers. The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has also leapt to their defence, saying we "must not jeopardise our progress by diminishing the value and role women play". It came after Mr Farage declared Britain was lawless and said police should look scarier. He told a press conference in London on Monday: "I think society needs, you need just that tiny little bit of fear and I think that for people out looking for trouble, and if they see a couple of big strapping police officers, they'll think, 'well, you know what, this may not be quite such a good idea'.' He said the public should be "maybe a touch fearful" of police in the same way children are of teachers. Reform MP Sarah Pochin went on to tell the BBC: "I never like to see two female police officers out together... I'd much rather see a great big strapping male police officer with a female." In response to the remarks, Dame Diana said: 'If Nigel Farage ever came to the Police Bravery Awards, he would realise how lucky we are as a country to have so many brilliant female officers who run towards danger to tackle violent criminals, and risk their own lives to keep the public safe. "Week in and week out, they put themselves in harm's way for the protection of our communities, and for Reform MPs to question their fitness for the job is not only offensive, it is woefully out of touch. Instead of undermining the police with this kind of divisive, outdated nonsense, politicians from all parties should be backing our men and women in uniform in the difficult work they do every day to keep us all safe.' And Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, chair of the NPCC, said: "Over a third of our officers and around 40% of our chief constables are women, and we must not jeopardise our progress by diminishing the value and role women play in our workforce. 'There are no roles in policing which women cannot do, and the same exacting standards to qualify are met by all men and women who undertake some of the most challenging tasks of any profession."
Wales Online
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Police officer rescues driver trapped in car fire just moments before explosion
Police officer rescues driver trapped in car fire just moments before explosion The driver suffered life-threatening injuries in the collision involving two cars and a tractor PC Jonathan Tatam rescued a man stuck in a burning car (Image: Police Federation ) A police officer rescued a man from a burning car moments before it was completely engulfed in flames and exploded. PC Jonathan Tatam, was responding to a road traffic collison at a single-track road outside of Carmarthen that involved two cars and a tractor on August 3, 2024. Unfortunately, the car that was in the middle, had caught fire and its driver, a man, was still stuck in the vehicle and was heard screaming on the 999 call. As soon as he arrived on the scene, PC Tatam assessed the situation, saw the fire spreading to nearby bushes and sprang into action. The Dyfed-Powys Police officer ran back to his police vehicle and brought a fire extinguisher to slow the fire's spread. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here Meanwhile, the driver of the car was trying to free himself but his foot seemed to have been stuck in the vehicle. As the driver stuck in the car continued his attempts to free himself of the car, PC Tatam continued to deal with the fire, and scrambled to look for any tools that might help free the man to no avail. Article continues below Fortunately the man managed to free himself of the vehicle and PC Tatam came back to the car to help him out. PC Tatam went on to pull the driver out, and with the help of a colleague, as well as a member of the public, dragged him away from the vehicle. Mere moments after the man was rescued, the car was fully alight and exploded even before the fire service could reach the scene. The driver had to be airlifted to a hospital in Cardiff after he suffered life-threatening injuries in the incident. The man suffered third-degree burns to his legs and lower torso, requiring skin grafts, in additon to a fractured femur and facial fractures. PC Tatam has now been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025 for his role in preventing further serious injuries. Dyfed-Powys Police Chief Constable Richard Lewis said: 'As chief constable, it gave me a great sense of pride when I heard of the courageous actions of PC Tatam that day.' The chief constable also lauded him for taking a risk for ohers' safety, as he said: 'There was a considerable threat to his own safety, however he put himself at risk to ensure the safety of others. 'It is important that his swift actions, which made a difference between life and death, is commended. PC Tatam should feel immensely proud for being nominated for this year's Police Bravery Awards.' Dyfed-Powys Police Federation Chair Delme Rees has added that the organisation is proud of him to his 'exceptional courage' and keeping a 'cool head'. He said: 'We couldn't be any prouder of Jonathan for the exceptional courage and quick thinking he displayed in this rapidly deteriorating situation. With the fire spreading and the person inside the car becoming more desperate all the time, it would've been easy for Jonathan to let panic set in himself, but he kept a cool head and remained focused on the job at hand – which is excellent policing." The chairperson added: 'There is no doubt his actions rescued the victim from an even worse outcome, especially when you consider the injuries that were sustained. Jonathan is absolutely deserving of his nomination. I'd like to wish him all the best for the Bravery Awards, where I'm sure he'll have a great time being celebrated for the outstanding officer he is.' Article continues below
BBC News
29-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Staffordshire Police couple recognised for house fire rescue
Husband and wife police officers have been nominated for a bravery award after saving the lives of a married couple in a house fire while off Mark Sigley and Det Con Katy Sigley were shortlisted for the national award following the blaze on Baswich Lane in Stafford in June were driving home when they spotted smoke coming from a house and forced found a woman downstairs and helped reassure a man trapped upstairs while they waited for firefighters to arrive. "I think we both went into automatic mode at that time," Mrs Sigley said."At the time it didn't feel like it was a big deal. It was something that I'd do again in a heartbeat."If we came across a similar situation, there's no way I'd do anything differently." The couple had forced open the front door of the house after calling 999, while the garage of the property was completely engulfed in Sigleys alerted nearby neighbours to leave their houses as the fire began to blow in their man inside the house was later taken to hospital for smoke inhalation. Both he and his wife have since recovered from the incident. "We're lucky because we're both in the police, so we can bounce off each other when we need to," Mr Sigley said."We know if somebody needs time [after incident], probably a little bit more than if somebody wasn't married to someone that's in the job."Mr and Mrs Sigley are among 70 officers and a police dog shortlisted for the Police Bravery Awards in July, which recognise extraordinary acts of courage by those on the front line. Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
ITV News
09-05-2025
- ITV News
Three officers who confronted Southport attacker nominated for bravery awards
Three police officers who confronted Southport knife attacker Axel Rudakubana have been nominated for bravery awards. Sergeant Gregory Gillespie, Constable Luke Holden and PCSO Timothy Parry were the first officers to arrive on the scene of the attack at the Taylor Swift-themed workshop on 29 July 2024. Rudakubana, 18, who murdered Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and injured 10 others, was confronted by the officers as he stood at the top of a flight of stairs holding a large knife. The three men have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025 after facing what Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy described as 'unimaginable horror'. Ms Kennedy said: 'As first on the scene and in those frantic initial moments, they were unaware of the horrific events taking place but they dismissed any thoughts for their own safety, bravely detaining the offender while protecting and helping the victims and those inside. 'We are all immensely proud of Ps Gillespie, Pc Holden and PCSO Parry for their courage, professionalism and swift actions in such horrendous circumstances. For the officers to be recognised in this way is true testament to them all.' According to the nomination, Mr Gillespie was first to arrive at Hart Street after a radio call at midday to reports of a male attacking children with a knife. He described seeing 'chaos' when he arrived and directing paramedics to a seriously injured child. He was joined by Mr Holden and Mr Parry and the officers witnessed members of the public running away from the dance studio carrying young children. Armed with a baton and a Taser, Mr Gillespie and Mr Holden entered the building, while Mr Parry covered the exit, and found Rudakubana holding a large knife at the top of the stairs. The officers approached the suspect, while shouting at him to drop the knife, and Mr Parry ran in to assist. Rudakubana, who was jailed for a minimum of 52 years in January, dropped the knife and, after officers struck him with a baton and kicked him to get him under control, was handcuffed and arrested. Merseyside Police Federation chairman Chris McGlade said: 'Police officers join the service to keep our communities safe and prevent them from harm. 'In the face of the most challenging and perilous of circumstances, these three officers exemplified this commitment. 'Without hesitation, they prioritised public safety and demonstrated the highest levels of bravery. Their professionalism was unparalleled, and it is fitting that we acknowledge and honour their actions accordingly.' The Police Bravery Awards will be held on July 10.
Belfast Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Officers who confronted Southport attacker nominated for bravery awards
Sergeant Gregory Gillespie, Constable Luke Holden and PCSO Timothy Parry were the first officers to arrive on the scene of the attack at the Taylor Swift-themed workshop on July 29 last year. Rudakubana, 18, who murdered Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, Bebe King, six, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and injured 10 others, was confronted by the officers as he stood at the top of a flight of stairs holding a large knife. The three men have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025 after facing what Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy described as 'unimaginable horror'. Ms Kennedy said: 'As first on the scene and in those frantic initial moments, they were unaware of the horrific events taking place but they dismissed any thoughts for their own safety, bravely detaining the offender while protecting and helping the victims and those inside. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. 'We are all immensely proud of Ps Gillespie, Pc Holden and PCSO Parry for their courage, professionalism and swift actions in such horrendous circumstances. For the officers to be recognised in this way is true testament to them all.' According to the nomination, Mr Gillespie was first to arrive at Hart Street after a radio call at midday to reports of a male attacking children with a knife. He described seeing 'chaos' when he arrived and directing paramedics to a seriously injured child. He was joined by Mr Holden and Mr Parry and the officers witnessed members of the public running away from the dance studio carrying young children. Armed with a baton and a Taser, Mr Gillespie and Mr Holden entered the building, while Mr Parry covered the exit, and found Rudakubana holding a large knife at the top of the stairs. The officers approached the suspect, while shouting at him to drop the knife, and Mr Parry ran in to assist. Rudakubana, who was jailed for a minimum of 52 years in January, dropped the knife and, after officers struck him with a baton and kicked him to get him under control, was handcuffed and arrested. Merseyside Police Federation chairman Chris McGlade said: 'Police officers join the service to keep our communities safe and prevent them from harm. 'In the face of the most challenging and perilous of circumstances, these three officers exemplified this commitment. 'Without hesitation, they prioritised public safety and demonstrated the highest levels of bravery. Their professionalism was unparalleled, and it is fitting that we acknowledge and honour their actions accordingly.' The Police Bravery Awards will be held on July 10.
