Police Bravery Awards 2009 - Region 4: Nottinghamshire officers scoop regional bravery award
16 July 2009
Two officers from Nottinghamshire have tonight received the Eastern regional award at the 14th annual Police Bravery Awards in London, organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales and The Sun Newspaper.
PC Gary Wilsdon and PS Mark Southgate received the award at a glittering award ceremony at The Dorchester Hotel which followed a reception at 10 Downing Street where they and 58 other nominees, met the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.
The two officers responding to reports of an unprovoked attack on members of the public arrived at the scene to find the offender brandishing a silver object – later identified as an ASP (metal baton).
The man was extremely large and was hot footing menacingly towards them. At this point PC Southgate raised his baton and shouted for him to stop. Regardless, the man struck PC Wilsdon on the head with great force and then proceeded to hit PC Southgate who passed out. The man was using his fists and seemed determined to inflict serious damage. PC Southgate then released CS spray which at this point had little effect and the attack continued feverishly.
Eventually, after a prolonged struggle, the man fell but as PC Wilsdon approached him he was struck again over the head.
It eventually took eight officers to restrain the man and commentators said it was one of the most horrific attacks they had seen one man inflict. The officers were in fear for their lives throughout the attack but continued courageously despite this.
Paul McKeever, Chairman, Police Federation of England and Wales said;
“This is a truly remarkable story and one which highlights the officers steely determination in the face of extreme danger. Their actions are testament to the incredible strength officers’ show in the face of adversity. They are very deserving winners indeed.”
Editor of The Sun Newspaper Rebekah Wade said:
“The Sun is tremendously proud of our association with the Police Bravery Awards and it is an honour for us to be sponsor this event for the 14th year. All the officers recognised at this evening’s ceremony have displayed exceptional bravery and the incredible devotion to duty shown by PC Wilsdon and Sergeant Southgate makes them very worthy winners. With little concern for their own safety they demonstrated the commitment of so many of Britain’s police officers today.”
NOTE TO EDITORS
For further details please contact Mick Taylor, Chairman, Nottinghamshire Police Federation on 07973 560544. No approach should be made before 10 pm.
Photographs of the nominees with the Prime Minister and as they receive their award will be available at 9.00 am on Friday 17th July from The Sun picture desk. Please call Robert Waker on 020 7782 4199.
For video footage contact Tim Duffy on 07970 590861 or timduffy4@gmail.com.
For further information about the event contact: Rachel Barnet or Melanie Davies at the Police Federation on 0137 235 2071 or Lorna Carmichael at The Sun Newspaper on 07836 340423.
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