Firearms officer nominated for police bravery award

A heroic firearms officer who was injured with a machete while rescuing a hostage from an armed attacker has been nominated for a national bravery award.

In the early hours of Sunday, January 28 last year, Durham Constabulary officers responded to a dangerous and fast-evolving hostage situation.  

Firearms officers, including Officer A, were deployed to an address following a distressing emergency call from ambulance control.

The call handler could hear threats being made in the background, including threats to kill the victim and set fire to the property. 

Upon arrival, officers identified a male suspect inside the property with the victim. The suspect was armed with a large machete and continued to issue threats.  

Initial attempts to negotiate with the suspect were unsuccessful, and the situation escalated further when he locked the front door and threatened to "blow the house up”.

The suspect then withdrew into the living room, closing the curtains and preventing officers from monitoring the situation. 

Recognising the immediate and escalating risk to the victim, Officer A and his colleagues swiftly adapted their tactical plan. An emergency forced entry was executed to prevent further harm to the victim. 

Upon entry, officers were met with violent resistance. The suspect hurled the machete at Officer A, striking his upper thigh and causing a serious injury. Despite his wound, the officer maintained his composure and professionalism, prioritising the safety of the victim.  

He continued to assist in subduing the suspect and securing the scene before addressing his own injuries with the support of his colleagues. 

The victim, an elderly woman with mobility issues, later recounted the terrifying ordeal.

She was initially asleep when the suspect entered her bedroom brandishing a knife, declaring: "We're both gonna die tonight, and I'm gonna burn the house to the ground.”

He proceeded to hold the weapon to her throat and threatened: "I can cut your head off.” The victim described the knife as over a foot in length. 

Physically assaulted and prevented from leaving, she was eventually able to manoeuvre herself downstairs and unlock the door for the police. She later stated she genuinely believed the suspect intended to kill her. 

Following a thorough investigation, the suspect was charged with multiple serious offences including wounding with intent, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, threats to kill and threats to commit criminal damage.  

The suspect later pleaded guilty at crown court to threats to kill and battery against the victim, resulting in a prison sentence of three years and four months. Additionally, for the grievous bodily harm inflicted on Officer A, the suspect received a further three-year custodial sentence. 

Chief Inspector Daniel Peacock said: “Officer A was part of a firearms team responding to a high-risk domestic violence incident involving a heavily intoxicated and armed suspect.  

“Despite sustaining a serious injury, Officer A remained focused on safeguarding the victim and securing the suspect before addressing his own needs. He is a respected officer who downplays his own role while acknowledging the collective effort of his colleagues.” 

Reflecting on the event, Officer A described the harrowing experience. He said: “This incident was one of the most dangerous situations I have ever encountered. The defendant had made numerous threats to kill his partner and harm officers. Despite our attempts to de-escalate the situation, the risk to the victim continued to increase, necessitating emergency entry.  

“I was first through the door when the suspect threw his hunting knife at me, causing a severe injury. It was only after securing the suspect that I realised the extent of my wound. I have no doubt that our swift action saved the victim’s life.” 

The National Police Bravery Awards take place in London later this week.