Sheffield school staff members get royal recognition for helping to stop attack by former student

Two members of staff at a Sheffield school have been given royal recognition, for their efforts to protect colleagues and students during an attack involving a former pupil last year.

Receptionist Alicia Richards and youth worker Molly Bulmer have been awarded the King's Commendation for Bravery for tackling then 17 year old Louise Melotte, who turned up to Birley Academy with a shared of broken glass last May.

He has been given a 10-year extended sentence comprising five years in a young offender institution and an extended licence period of five years for the assault.

Speaking in October last year, DCI Knowles of South Yorkshire Police said: "Ms Richards and Ms Bulmer showed incredible bravery. Without hesitation, they put themselves in harm's way to protect the children at that school and I am delighted their actions have been recognised through these certificates of commendation.

"The incident, which was captured on CCTV and has since been released to the public, shows how both of these women bravely faced some of the most extreme violence imaginable without any thought for their own safety.

"Their actions that day prevented Melotte gaining access to the building, allowing school staff the time to initiate lockdown procedures and keep all the children in their care safe from harm.

"I have no doubts whatsoever that it was the actions of Ms Richards and Ms Bulmer that saved the community of Birley from what could have been the most unimaginable tragedy and I am truly humbled by their courage."