hree GMP officers who were attacked as they responded to a road traffic collision in Whalley Range last July, have won an award at this year’s Police Federation National Bravery Awards.
PS Foster, PS Ansell, and PC Wolstencroft, all based on the Trafford district response team at the time of the attack, were awarded for courage they demonstrated as Jacob Brown, a 27-year-old local man, came at them from behind with a knife.
PS Foster was struck to the head several times, as Brown aimed a knife at his neck. PS Ansell jumped to the defence of his fellow Sergeant before being stabbed in the neck. PC Wolstencroft instinctively discharged his taser, allowing for his arrest. The actions of all three officers ultimately saved each other and meant no members of the public suffered any injuries.
Brown was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order in April 2024.
The officers won the Bravery Award at our Chief Constable’s Annual Awards last October, and were subsequently also awarded the John Egerton Bravery Award by GMP’s own Police Federation in April. The award won last night (Thursday 11 July 2024) was the North West Bravery Award.
This incident very sadly is just one example of assaults police officers face in the line of duty.
Superintendent Marcus Noden of GMP’s Trafford district said, “The number of assaults on officers is at an unprecedented level, and is wholly unacceptable.
“Our uniformed officers are amongst our front line of policing, those who respond to calls, make arrests, protect victims. Their job is challenging, demanding and sometimes dangerous, but ultimately, it is not expected that you will be assaulted as you go about your duties.
“Of the total assaults recorded, 75 of those between April 2023 and March 2024 have resulted in injury. What that means is 75 officers removed from their duties at the hands of others, some for months.
“Losing these officers from their duties not only means our capacity to respond to incidents is reduced, but as is our capacity to help those that really need us.
“It is not just the public that suffer either. Whilst not every assault results in a physical injury, like in this particular case, the psychological impact assaults can have on officers is indescribable.
“We absolutely will not tolerate assaults on our officers. We have in this case, and many others, taken robust action against those who have committed these offences, and that approach will continue. We’ll also continue to support the officers that are impacted.
“I sincerely hope that we never see a case like this again, but I praise our three officers who have demonstrated dedication, resilience, and courage in the face of danger. They thoroughly deserve the recognition they have received.”
