BRAVE COPS IN LINE FOR MEDALS
TWO unarmed policemen who tackled Ali are set to be decorated for bravery.
PCs Ryan Curtis and Scott James – already awarded the Merit Star, Essex Police’s highest accolade – are being considered for gallantry medals.
The pair were not in uniform or wearing stab vests as they approached Ali after he attacked Sir David.
They had only extendable batons and incapacitant sprays as the murderer waved a bloodied knife at them. Ali had threatened to stab anyone who tried to get to the mortally wounded MP.
Although armed police were just minutes away, the officers risked their lives as there might have been a chance to save Sir David.
PC James said yesterday: “No-one knew if there were any other members of the public inside with
the attacker. There was no option other than for Ryan and I to go inside without Taser or firearms support.
“We couldn’t stand outside if there was a chance other people were getting attacked and we also wanted to get paramedics inside the building as soon as possible to save Sir David.
“One minute we were conducting a routine arrest and the next we were on blue lights to the church.”
PC Curtis added: “We wanted to stop anyone else being seriously injured.”
The duo were attending another job when they heard on their radios about the attack. The officers, whose courage was recorded on bodycam, may be in line for the George Cross, the George Medal, the Queen’s Gallantry Medal or the Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.
Darren King and Yvonne Eaves, witnesses threatened by Ali after the stabbing, may also get bravery awards.