Police receive bravery awards over knife incident in Berkshire
It happened at Chieveley services on the M4
Thames Valley Police officers have been commended for their work in apprehending a man carrying a knife in an incident at Chieveley Services in west Berkshire.
Sergeant Kieran Baker, PC Rich Tarrant, PC Amber Perkins, PC Ross Maclean, PC Beth Williams, PC Oli York, PC Jamie Bushnell and PC Rachael Hebdon were commended at the Chief Constable Awards.
On 23 December 2023, the officers responded to reports of a man with a knife threatening people at Chieveley Services. He was also attempting to ram people with a vehicle.
The team assessed the risk to the public and acted to save lives, blocking the offender in and challenging him with a taser before apprehending him.
Members of the public commented on their bravery and speed of response and thanked them at the scene.
Proud
Sergeant Baker said: “I am proud to say members of my team were incredible that day dealing with an armed man whose sole intention was to cause harm to the very community that we are sworn to protect. It is no understatement to say we thought we could have been killed and every officer present saved lives that day and I am so proud of them all.”
PC Hebdon said: “We step out every day to serve and protect the public and on this occasion that is exactly what we did.”
PC Maclean added: “I am extremely proud of my colleagues who all showed incredible bravery in the face of danger. This particular incident will be one I remember for the rest of my life and knowing that I played a part in keeping the public safe is something I am very proud of.”