Two Suffolk officers who rescued kids from a gunman to be honoured
The pair are going to be recognised at the Police Bravery Awards in London.
Last updated 12th Oct 2021
Two Suffolk Police officers who rescued three children from a 'crazed' gunman are going to be recognised for their actions at the Police Bravery Awards in London.
PC's Pete French and Jordan Tuck were called to what they thought was a routine domestic disturbance in Great Cornard in September 2019, but found themselves at the centre of a major incident with a shotgun pointed directly at them by an agitated man.
The officers entered the house in Great Cornard, near Sudbury, in September 2019 to scenes of devastation, with broken glass and debris strewn across the property.
They found a frightened and tearful 12-year-old girl cowering in the kitchen, who told them: “He’s gone outside.”
Going into the garden, they were confronted by a man brandishing a shotgun, which he aimed directly at the officers.
Both officers backed away while giving the man clear commands to drop the weapon, but were met with “verbal hostility”.
The officers retreated into the property and ensured the doors were locked before leading three frightened children – one of whom was found hiding in a cupboard – and an adult to safety. Throughout the operation they kept the gunman under observation.
They were told by one of the children that the man had said that he “was going to kill them all”.
With the property cleared, the gunman tried to smash his way into the house, using the butt of his shotgun on the patio doors, before going behind a garden shed.
He reappeared and doused the shed with petrol before setting it alight. The blaze was quickly out of control with 20ft flames spreading to neighbouring properties.
The man then crouched behind a hedge with his shotgun pointed towards the officers and the house. PC French advised the control room that, due to the unpredictability of the male, there should be no sirens when back-up arrived and that no one should enter the garden.
But, while awaiting support from armed police, the officers noticed the man had lowered his gun and seized the opportunity to arrest and handcuff him.
The weapon was found to be loaded. A closer inspection indicated an attempt had been made to fire the weapon, but it failed to discharge.
Afterwards, both PCs French and Tuck admitted they feared for their safety and that of the family involved and neighbours, and were hugely relieved to escape unharmed.
Darren Harris, chair of Suffolk Police Federation, which nominated them for the awards, said: “Pete and Jordan, who were both unarmed, showed extraordinary courage and determination during this incident and their bravery ensured that these children and an adult at the property were safely removed from a situation that could have had a tragic outcome.
“Despite the clear danger they were in, they put their lives on the line in carrying out this rescue. They are very worthy nominees for the national Police Bravery Awards."
They have been nominated in the Police Federation's Police Bravery Awards 2020. The Covid-delayed awards evening will take place in London on Tuesday (12 October).