A courageous Nottinghamshire police officer, PC Chris Duffy, has been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2024 after displaying remarkable courage in the face of a harrowing assault that left him with severe injuries.

The incident occurred in the early hours of 11 March 2023, when PC Duffy and Police Dog Reno responded to reports of a disturbance at the Sunnydale Inn in Mansfield. Upon arrival, they encountered a suspect who fled the scene, leading to a pursuit where PC Duffy deployed PD Reno to detain the individual in an alleyway.

As PC Duffy was engaged in detaining the suspect, he was unexpectedly attacked from behind by Mason Perkins, the brother of the detained individual. Perkins struck PC Duffy with such force that he was knocked to the ground, sustaining a severe head injury.

Undeterred by the assault, PC Duffy bravely fought back against his assailant, all while ensuring the safety of the detained suspect and maintaining control of PD Reno. Despite his injuries, PC Duffy managed to press his emergency button, summoning assistance from his colleagues.

Even as he received emergency first aid from his fellow officers, PC Duffy remained vigilant, spotting Perkins attempting to flee the scene. With remarkable determination, PC Duffy pursued Perkins, providing updates to his colleagues via radio, ultimately leading to Perkins’ swift apprehension.

The extent of PC Duffy’s injuries was later revealed, with a forensic pathologist describing a seven-inch-long wound to the back of his head, exposing his skull. Despite the physical and psychological toll of the assault, PC Duffy’s bravery ensured that a violent offender was brought to justice.

Nottinghamshire Police Federation Chair Simon Riley praised PC Duffy’s extraordinary courage, highlighting his unwavering dedication to duty even in the face of grave danger. Chief Constable Kate Meynell echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the unacceptable nature of violence against officers and the swift action taken to ensure justice prevailed.

PC Chris Duffy’s nomination for the Police Bravery Awards serves as a testament to his exemplary courage and selflessness, embodying the values of Nottinghamshire Police and the dedication of officers to protect the communities they serve.