BRAVERY AWARDS


health issues. The man had been threatening carers with knives and had set fire to the housing block’s kitchen. As PS Linpower talked to the man


through a door, he could see a gas hob was alight and items were burning away on it. When both colleagues opened the door, the officers could feel the heat from the fire before the man suddenly approached them, holding a large knife. After the man stoked the fire by placing a plastic tray on the gas cooker and turning on the gas rings, the officers knew they had to act quickly to prevent the kitchen and the rest of the housing block from becoming engulfed in flames. The man’s life, theirs and other


residents were clearly in danger, particularly as he was also brandishing two large kitchen knives. The officers decided they had to put themselves in danger to stop a potential tragedy. They realised that the use of Taser could have made the fire even worse, due to the likelihood of escaped igniting. After PC Mather readied his Taser, PS


Linpower opened the door holding with a shield from their patrol car as protection, the man came lunging towards them, holding knives in both hands and motioned to stab them. PC Mather then discharged the Taser, which incapacitated the man allowing the officers to disarm and handcuff him. Firefighters then entered and tackled the blaze as the officers provided post- incident care to the man, who had resisted arrest once the effects of the Taser had worn off.


Region 7 – Gwent Police daughter. PC Burbidge was the first officer


on the scene, accompanied by CSO Francesco Pomposo, after they received reports of two people being attacked by a water buffalo on the farm in Upper Berthllwyd, near Usk. The officers arrived at the farm to


scenes of chaos with a large, aggressive bull attacking two men in a field. One of the men appeared lifeless, while the other showed some signs of life, but was clearly in great distress. PC Burbidge could see two women


a mother and daughter, also in the field trying to distract the animal with metal poles as it attacked the men. Without hesitation or thought for his own safety, he ran into the field and started shouting, telling both to move away. As he approached, the buffalo


attacked the daughter, and threw her to the ground. With the mother in shock, PC Burbidge then ran towards the daughter as the bull continued to attack. As PC Burbidge continued to strike


it with a pole, the badly injured daughter managed to get away and was helped to safety by CSO Pomposo and a paramedic. PC Smallwood then arrived to help PC Burbidge in trying to distract the buffalo, which had moved back to the second man and was mauling him on the ground. One of the men tragically died at


the scene, while another was airlifted to hospital but died from his injuries after surgery.


Region 8 - Metropolitan 3 Sergeant Natalie Markham narrowly


avoided being killed by a knife-wielding suspect then courageously chased down the man who stabbed her. The brave officer was the subject of


a repeated knife attack by her assailant during the terrifying incident. Despite being slashed on the stomach, she chased the attacker and finished her shift as usual. In October 2019 PS Markham – who


Gwent’s brave officers PC Mark Burbidge (left) and Mr Owain Smallwood with Kerry McMahon White of Police Mutual.


PCs Mark Burbidge and Owain Smallwood risked their lives trying to stop a rampaging water buffalo attacking its owners. A father and son were killed in the


incident at a farm in Monmouthshire, but the actions of the brave officers in confronting the beast were credited with saving the lives of the mother and


was a PC at the time – was one of two officers responding to calls of a man causing a disturbance and making threats to stab and kill at a Clapham hostel. As she buzzed the door to gain access, she and her colleague, PC Nej Diker, discovered it was locked from the inside. The officers found the suspect outside


on the pavement smoking a cigarette. He then threatened the officers and became increasingly agitated, before attempting to back away from them. When told he couldn’t leave the scene, and as PS Markham attempted to stop him fleeing, he drew two large knives and slashed at


PS Natalie Markham (right) was presented with her award by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick.


her body armour and tried to stab her twice in her stomach. The man was convicted of the


attempted murder of Sgt Markham at Kingston Crown Court in December 2020.


Metropolitan Police Federation


Chair Ken Marsh said PS Markham showed amazing courage and tenacity in this incident: “This was a dynamic and dangerous incident which unfolded in a matter of seconds. What a fantastic police officer she is - we’re extremely proud of what Natalie did that day.”


Inspiration in Policing Award Winner DC Steven Bailey of City of London


Police was announced as the winner of the Inspiration in Policing award. Steven was struck down with Covid and hospitalised, resulting in a coma. After beating the odds to make it out of hospital, Steven has continued to suffer from a plethora of Covid-related medical conditions. He has shared his experience to help others suffering with Covid.


Inspiration in Policing Award winner DC Steven Bailey of City of London Police.


19 I POLICE I DECEMBER 2021


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