Proud of our police officers
POLICE TRIO RISKED THEIR LIVES TO DISARM MAN IN BUSY PUB
THEY put thoughts of their own safety aside to protect drinkers from an armed dangerman.
And now these three courageous cops have seen their bravery recognised with one of our Pride of the North East awards.
Sgt Elliott Richardson and PCs Sarah Currie and Michael Otterson have scooped the Emergency Services gong for their heroic work which kept a pub full of customers safe.
But PC Otterson said they were just doing what any other officer would have.
Speaking of his pride at winning the award he said: “It means an awful lot to be recognised by the public we serve. I don’t feel that I did something that any officer serving Northumbria Police wouldn’t have also done.
“I feel proud and especially privileged to serve alongside officers such as those I was with on that day, which is what gives Northumbria its place amongst the best UK policing has to offer.”
And Sgt Elliott Richardson added: “I’m honoured to be nominated for this award along with Sarah and Michael and what we faced that day shows what police officers do daily to keep the public safe.”
While PC Currie said: “I am incredibly honoured to be presented with the award. Without Michael, Elliott and my colleagues the outcome may have been vastly different. The recognition is greatly appreciated for just doing our job and I am very humbled by all the support we have received.”
The three officers were on duty in Gateshead when they answered a call from a community nurse concerned about a patient who had a history of violence, schizophrenia and paranoia.
The cops followed the man from a house in Gateshead to The Eagle pub in Leam Lane.
As PCs Currie and Otterson opened the pub door, they were confronted by a man in the foyer holding a firearm. There was a violent and lengthy struggle as they tried to stop him from aiming the gun at them.
They were quickly joined by Sgt Richardson and the struggle continued. The gun was fired by the man as the officers tried to gain control of the weapon.
After a sustained struggle and with help from a member of the public, the man was eventually overpowered and disarmed.
When his bag was searched police found two handguns, a crossbow, a pack of throwing knives, homemade petrol bombs, smoke grenades and a baseball bat inside. The man was later sentenced to an indefinite hospital order.
Speaking of the moment he took on the dangerman, PC Otterson admitted he feared he would be killed in the incident. He said: “I was absolutely terrified. I have got two young kids at home and for a brief moment I thought I’m not going home tonight.”
And Sgt Richardson added: “I just thought this man needs to get put on the ground. He needs to be secured. If he gets back up our lives are in such great danger.”
Last year the three officers received a Police Bravery Award for their actions that day. And now the Pride of the North East judging panel has decided they are worthy of yet another accolade.
We are running the Pride of the North East event in partnership with TSB to celebrate the amazing unsung heroes from all across the region. Winners will be honoured in front of a star-studded audience at the glittering Awards dinner next week.