Police trio receive commendation for saving stab victim
Officers sprang into action in town centre
Three police officers have received the Chief Constable’s award after providing first aid to a stabbing victim in Maidstone.
PC Matthew Smart, PC Matthew Murray and Sergeant Steven Tuncliffe, were recognised for their remarkable efforts at the Kent Police training college recently, where 11 officers and staff also received long service awards.
The incident happened on July 3 last year, when PC Matthew Smart and PC Matthew Murray were on patrol in Maidstone.
The pair were flagged down by a crowd on Lower Stone Street, where they were directed towards a man lying on the floor who had been stabbed several times.
This came after two groups clashed outside the Century Club in the early hours.
The policing pair began first aid, along with trying to deal with a large crowd of people that had gathered at the scene.
A short while later, they were joined by Sergeant Steven Tuncliffe, a trained police medic, who helped to treat the victim’s injuries for another 15 minutes until the ambulance service arrived and took over.
The victim survived, and three men were convicted at Maidstone Crown Court after the trial concluded in January.
The jury convicted Paul Ojo, 22, of Barnfield Road, Orpington, and Quinton Nelson of Albany Road, Camberwell, of causing grievous bodily harm
with intent and possessing a knife.
A third man, Kenneth Robert, of Anerley Vale, Crystal Palace, had admitted a knife offence at the beginning of the trial.
The trio are due to be sentenced.
Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: “It is an honour to be able to commend those who go above and beyond the call of duty to help others.
“The professionalism, quick thinking and bravery of those receiving awards is truly exceptional
“Every day officers put themselves in danger to protect and support some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
“Each award is fully deserved, and it was a pleasure to present these remarkable people with their commendations.”
‘It is an honour to be able to commend those who go above and beyond the call of duty to help others’ Alan Pughsley