OFFICERS SAVED MAN WHO HAD CUT HIS OWN THROAT
HE WAS BLEEDING TO DEATH AFTER ATTACK ON HIS PARTNER AND THREATS TO TAKE HIS LIFE
A MAN who slashed his own throat after attacking his partner was saved by three police officers as he was bleeding to death in a bathroom.
Leicestershire Police arrived at the home after the man’s partner rang 999 to say he had just thrown her down the stairs and was smashing up her flat.
The injured woman managed to get out of the flat by the time officers arrived at the scene and took refuge in a neighbour’s home.
Police went to assist her and while they were there her partner, who was still inside her flat, phoned her mobile and warned her he was going to take his own life.
At her flat, police could see the man standing inside holding a large knife to his throat.
They watched him cut himself as they tried to negotiate with him.
The officers forced open the front door and entered with their Tasers drawn fearing he could attack them with the knife.
But the man was badly injured and they found him in the bathroom, bleeding heavily from his neck.
Pc Stephen Williams grabbed a towel and managed to slow the flow of blood and he and his colleagues Pc Steve Isherwood and Pc Alex Cullum-Kenyon managed to keep the man alive until the paramedics arrived to take over.
Since the incident, on Sunday, March 1, the man has been given a 14-week suspended sentence for domestic assault and the three officers have now been nominated in the National Police Bravery Awards.
Pc Isherwood, Pc Williams and Pc Cullum-Kenyon will join more than 90 nominees from across England and Wales at the awards event in London next summer.
Leicestershire Police Federation Chairman Dave Stokes said the fast response from the officers – while still facing an unknown danger – had undoubtedly saved the man’s life.
“They got in quickly and managed to find this man who was armed and had already proved to be violent and dangerous,” he said.
“Decisions have to be made dynamically and in split seconds – police officers have no power of hindsight. It really can be life or death.
“I’m certain without the quick actions of Steve, Stephen and Alex and their first aid skills the man in question would have died. They are very worthy of this nomination, and we are very proud of them all.”
The National Police Bravery Awards honour officers from England and Wales who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty.
This year’s awards ceremony has had to be cancelled due to coronavirus but the Police Federation of England and Wales, which gives out the awards, wanted to highlight some of the stories behind the 2020 nominations ahead of the next ceremony, scheduled for July 2021.
John Apter, national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “We are incredibly proud of all the nominees from across England and Wales. The actions of these courageous officers provide a small snapshot of the amazing work our colleagues carry out day in and day out.
“Pc Steve Isherwood, Pc Stephen Williams and Pc Alex CullumKenyon’s brave actions are worthy of huge praise.
“This man clearly showed he had no fear about using the knife, so they had a difficult balance to achieve between protecting themselves and trying to save him. What heroes.
“We wanted to make sure these brave officers received the recognition they deserve in the year their actions were meant to be celebrated.
“And we look forward to seeing them all in person – and revealing the regional and national winners – when the time is right in 2021.”