TWO Bridgnorth police officers who dealt with an incident involving an armed man in the townhave been nominated for awards for their “highest level of bravery” at a ceremony in London.
Constables Tim Street and Lee Grantham were nominated by the West Mercia Police Federation for The Sun bravery awards presented at the Dorchester Hotel last night.
The two officers – who met Prime Minister David Cameron before the ceremony – received a report that a man was smashing cars with an iron bar. They discovered two vehicles had been badly damaged with all the panels dented and all windows smashed.
They located the suspect at a nearby address and saw a man pacing up and down; when they knocked on the door he ran upstairs and appeared a short while later at the front door, concealing his right hand behind his back. He was asked by both officers to reveal whatever he was holding.
An iron bar had been used to damage the vehicles and both officers were fearful for their safety. They attempted to negotiate with the man requesting him to show what he was concealing.
The man ignored the requests, stepped forward and pulled his concealed arm from behind his back producing a revolver type pistol and aimed it directly at PC Grantham’s chest.
The man had his finger on the trigger and both officers were fearful of their lives.
They attempted to reason with the man asking him to put the gun down and he responded by continuing to walk towards them, moving the pistol from one officer to the other and shouting at them as he did so.
PC Grantham tried to persuade the man to put the weapon down but his request was ignored. The officers were eventually able to take cover behind their police vehicle while continuing to ask the man to drop the gun. Assistance was requested via their personal radios and after some tough negotiations the man dropped the revolver to the floor which gave the officers the opportunity to get him on the ground and search his pockets for any further concealed weapons.
Sergeant Andy White, West Mercia Police Federation chairman, said: “The officers’ actions on the night portrayed the highest level of bravery in a life threatening situation.
“Every day police officers are called upon to make split second decisions which not only protect themselves but the public as a whole. The officers acted with great courage and bravery when faced with what seemed the gravest situation anyone would fear”.
Both officers received a Chief Constable’s commendation following the incident in January 2009.
The offender Barry Preece, of The Hobbins, Bridgnorth, admitted affray, criminal damage and possession of an imitation firearm