Heroic cops who tackled gunman up for awards
THREE police officers who chased a suspect armed with a gun have been nominated for top bravery awards.
Dramatic footage showed Pcs Jack Grainger, Jessica Hamblett and Richard Hayes tackling gunman Mohammed Shabaz Rafiq even though they heard the sound of shots being fired moments earlier.
The trio have now been nominated for a top national bravery award following the drama in Harpurhey last March.
The plain clothes officers were in a police patrol car when Pc Hamblett spotted a group of suspicious people loitering together in Ashgill Walk just off Fernclough Road.
As Pc Hayes turned the vehicle around to investigate further, the officers heard a loud bang.
Moments later they saw a man running down the street apparently attempting to hide the contents of a black bin liner he was carrying. The cops identified themselves as police officers and a footchase began as the suspect ran towards a black Ford Focus.
The officers chased the suspect despite their strong suspicions he was armed with a gun. The man tried to get into the Focus but it mounted the pavement and sped away, leaving him behind.
Pc Grainger, followed by Pc Hayes, chased the suspect on foot supported by Pc Hamblett in the patrol car. Pc Grainger chased the man and detained him with help from his colleagues. Re-tracing the route of the chase, the officers found the bin liner. It contained a loaded handgun. Mohammed Shabaz Rafiq, 24, of Wharf Road, Sale, whose prints were found on the bag, was jailed for five years in July last year for possession of an illegal firearm.
After the officers were nominated for recognition at the National Police Bravery Awards next month, their efforts were praised by the Greater Manchester branch of the Police Federation. Branch chairman Lee Broadbent said: “We are very proud of their work. The actions of Jack, Jessica and Richard in pursuing a male who was armed with a firearm, which they believed had just been discharged, was exceptionally brave. Det Con Liam Carolan, from GMP’s North Manchester’s Disruption Team, said: “The quick thinking and bravery of the three officers at the scene could have arguably saved a life that day.”
The quick thinking and bravery of the three officers could have saved a life that day Detective Constable Liam Carolan