Courageous PC set to win two awards following his actions at a murder scene
A courageous constable who detained a suspect at a murder scene and tried to save the victim’s life is to receive one award and has been nominated for a second.
PC Ian Murphy was the first officer to arrive on the scene of what he believed to be an assault in Esh Winning, near Durham, in April of last year.
The Road Policing Unit officer discovered a group of around four men trying to get into a locked property.
Members of the group, all described as being agitated and intoxicated, were claiming that someone had been stabbed to death inside and the suspect was still present.
While trying to holding back the crowd, PC Murphy smashed a window with his baton and detained a blood-covered suspect through the window, holding on until back-up arrived moments later.
Once colleagues were on the scene and able to make arrests, PC Murphy entered the building alone – unsure whether there was anyone else in the premises.
Inside, the brave officer found the body of David Teague, a man in his early 30s who had suffered very significant injuries to his head and chest, thought to have been inflicted over a number of hours.
A machete was found nearby.
PC Murphy immediately started CPR in an effort to save the Mr Teague’s life, but unfortunately, he did not recover.
Robert Askew was later jailed for life for the murder.
PC Murphy has now been awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation for his courage shown during the incident.
The courageous officer has also been nominated for a Police Federation Bravery Award.
Durham Police Federation Chair Andy Jackson said: “PC Murphy demonstrated outstanding courage in confronting a dangerous male, with a propensity for extreme violence, who might still have been armed.
“Furthermore, he had to contend with an angry mob, intent on causing the attacker harm, whilst formulating a plan to deal with the situation.
“He entered the address alone, not knowing what danger he might face before additional resources arrived. In doing so, he put himself at great risk of potential harm to try to save the life of another.”