Cleveland Police officers receive bravery award
Two courageous police officers who were assaulted by a violent suspect while trying to protect the public have won a Cleveland Police Federation Bravery Award.
Last June, PC Kevin Weldon was single-crewed and responded to an incident in Middlesborough involving a man who was being violent. The suspect ran up a narrow set of stairs to an upstairs flat and PC Weldon followed him, attempting to get him under control and minimise the risk of harm to the public.
DC Carl Brayfield happened to drive past the scene, saw a conflict going on and raced to help his colleague.
DC Brayfield said: “The suspect was being aggressive straight away with PC Weldon. After giving multiple warnings to the suspect, PC Weldon Tasered him, but it didn’t connect and my colleague ended up getting kicked; he started going backwards. I managed to catch him and pull him forwards.
“As I was doing that, the suspect took the opportunity to strike me over the head with a drawer that had a metal bottom on it. I didn’t notice the blood straight away. But then we got the man on the floor, got him in a hold and my face was just pouring blood.”
The suspect continued to fight PC Weldon, who called for assistance from colleagues. The suspect needed further physical restraint and was PAVA sprayed before being detained.
DC Brayfield was taken to hospital to receive stitches on the 4cm laceration on his head.
The suspect was detained and sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Cleveland Police Federation Chair Stephen Williams-Reader said: “Once again this incident shows how police officers confront danger when others might turn the other way.
“Carl and Kevin displayed great courage and personal resilience in dealing with a violent suspect in a confined space.
“Kevin took prompt action in attempting to get the suspect under control, while Carl displayed exemplary support to his colleague, preventing Kevin from injury despite getting injured himself.
“Their actions were in the best interests of the people of Cleveland and truly demonstrate the values of Cleveland Police officers. They are very deserved winners of these Awards.”
DC Brayfield and PC Weldon will attend the first ever Cleveland Police Federation Bravery Awards on 30 March. At the event a winner will be announced who will travel to London for the National Police Federation Bravery Awards in July.