Warwickshire sergeant honoured at Police Bravery Awards
Police Sergeant Charlie Thompson has been recognised for his courage during a high-stakes incident at a petrol station in Stratford-upon-Avon
A Police Sergeant from Warwickshire has been honoured at the Police Federation Bravery Awards for his courage during a high-stakes incident at a petrol station in Stratford-upon-Avon.
On 10th April 2025, PS Charlie Thompson encountered a man threatening to set himself alight after dousing himself in petrol on a forecourt, demanding the presence of high-profile individuals, including the mayor.
PS Thompson, alongside a negotiation team, attempted to talk the man down without success.
Spotting an opportunity, he tackled the man to the ground, allowing officers to remove the lighter while a firefighter sprayed foam to prevent ignition.
Warwickshire Police said his actions prevented a potentially deadly situation - in Rome in 2025, 29 people were injured following a petrol station fire.
At the awards ceremony on 9th July 2026, held by the Police Federation, PS Thompson's bravery in averting disaster was recognised alongside acts of remarkable courage from officers across England and Wales.
Acting Chief Constable David Gardner said “We are extremely proud of Sgt Thompson who demonstrated incredible fortitude, empathy, and quick-thinking in his actions that day.
“It is thanks to him, and the other officers on the ground that there wasn’t a tragedy that day in Stratford-upon-Avon.
“He is more than worthy of the Bravery Award."
Sgt Thompson said “I couldn’t have done it without the team behind me – we co-ordinated, we worked together, and it was together that we stopped what could have been a terrible loss of life.
“I’m overwhelmed to have been nominated for a Bravery Award – it’s always a good day when our hard work in the police is recognised like this.
“I hope that the chap I tackled is doing better now – it will have been a very low moment for him, and we hope he’s managed to pick himself back up and get the support he needed.”
The force confirmed the man involved in the incident has since received support and been rehoused.