Lancashire Police officers nominated for bravery awards after they were attacked in Cleveleys

Three Lancashire police officers have been nominated for a national Police Bravery Award, after they caught a violent man in Cleveleys, with one of the officers suffering multiple stab wounds.

When a man was reported missing from his home by his family, PC Pete Lucas went to find him.

When he spotted the man's van, he stopped it to check on the driver’s welfare. The man immediately attacked PC Lucas, stabbing him repeatedly while kicking and punching him. PC Lucas was stabbed in the stomach, fractured his left arm and his body and face were covered in bruises.

Two members of the public who were on their way to a funeral, saw what was happening and with no regard for their own safety, challenged the offender who was still attacking the officer. When he saw them approach, he ran back to his van and drove off.

Despite his injuries, PC Lucas was able to give a full description of the offender and said “I will just check if I have been stabbed. Actually, yes I have”.

When two other officers approached the man in his van, he attacked their vehicle with a large pickaxe, striking the bonnet, door and windscreen repeatedly, eventually becoming embedded in the windscreen directly in front of the driver, PC Peter Black.

PC Black pulled alongside the man’s van allowing PC Gary Holliday to Taser him through the open windows.

PC’s Holliday and Black caused the man minimal injury whilst relieving an incredibly threatening and violent situation, which was unfolding outside a gym where parents were waiting for their children to finish swimming lessons.

All the officers involved showed no regard for their own safety, putting themselves in a vulnerable situation to bravely catch the offender

• Lancashire Police
• cleveleys