Two Dorset police officers nominated for national bravery award
They were attacked with 'homemade pepper spray' in Boscombe
Two Dorset police officers have been nominated for a National Police Bravery award - and will find out if they've won at a ceremony in London tonight (Thursday 13th July).
Sergeant Luke Sands and Sergeant Jen Hussey were called out to Boscombe last November.
They were responding to reports of a man trying to start fires there, and found a male suspect there carrying a large rucksack.
When they approached him, he tried to walk away, but then sprayed Sgt Hussey with an unknown, noxious substance from a spray bottle.
She recoiled in pain and shock while Sgt Sands deployed a Taser, which turned out to be ineffective.
The two officers continued to pursue the suspect on foot, and challenged him again.
He sprayed Sgt Hussey for a second time, and Sgt Sands tried again with his Taser, still with no effect.
Eventually Sgt Hussey Tasered the man successfully in the back of the leg, with Sgt Sands detaining and handcuffing him.
On searching the suspect, they found he'd been wearing protective body armour and padding, as well as carrying a number of bladed items.
The noxious substance also turned out to be homemade pepper spray, with caused no lasting damage or effects.
The man was detained under the Mental Health Act.
Sgt Sands said:
“This was a quick and dynamic incident, however the sheer fear of the potential consequences was significant. Thankfully, nobody was seriously injured, and a dangerous offender was removed from the streets.”
Sgt Hussey said:
“My initial reaction after being sprayed with the substance was shock. Given the male had deliberately assaulted me and was seemingly unfazed by being challenged with a Taser, I was seriously concerned at the risk he posed to innocent members of the public nearby.
“The implications of not apprehending the male were unthinkable. It was clear from the information that unfolded that he posed a very serious and immediate risk to the public. I am proud that our actions were successful in detaining this male and preventing him from causing serious harm.”
James Dimmack, Chair of Dorset Police Federation, said:
“It was clearly apparent that this man had gone out that day to cause some serious harm. He was prepared to be challenged by police and equipped to retaliate. It is testament to the skills of Luke and Jen that this incident did not end in a tragically different fashion.
“The officers demonstrated bravery in the face of a potentially dangerous subject with unknown motives and capabilities, with their key priority being to keep the public safe. I am hugely proud of their actions.”