Two Metropolitan Police officers, PCs Alannah Mulhall and Joe Gerrard, have been named the bravest police officers in the UK at the Police Bravery Awards. Both officers needed surgery after being stabbed by a member of the public while responding to a call at Leicester Square.

Heroes of Leicester Square

PCs Mulhall and Gerrard were responding to a call where a man had been arrested for spiking, and a victim was being cared for. Upon hearing a commotion, they went to investigate and were confronted by a man armed with a knife. PC Mulhall was stabbed through her arm, a wound so severe it almost pierced through to the other side. Despite her injury, she remained calm and called for backup.

When additional officers arrived, they found the man still armed. Multiple attempts to subdue him with a Taser, PAVA spray, and baton strikes failed. During the struggle, PC Gerrard was stabbed five times, suffering wounds to his neck, arm, and a punctured lung.

Other Honorees

The ceremony also recognized other officers for their bravery:

• SC Kyle Scott (Suffolk Police): Saved a woman from the North Sea during freezing temperatures.
• PS Shannon Murphy, PS Lee Baker, and PC Thomas Simmonds (West Mercia Police): Rescued a woman from a submerged car in a flooded Ford.
• PS David Gibbs, PC Scott Thomson, PC Tim Clarkson, PC Emma Davies, and PC Nathan Fulton (Hampshire Police): Detained a man with an explosive device.

Regional Winners

• Greater Manchester: PS Marc Foster, PS Tim Ansell, and PC Marcus Wolstencroft
• Cleveland: PC Holly Grey, PC Sam Handley, PC Maverick Reddington, PC Rachael Dack, PC Cara Crosby, and two anonymous officers
• West Mercia: PS Lee Baker, PS Shannon Murphy, and PC Thomas Simmonds
• Lincolnshire: One anonymous officer
• Hampshire: PS David Gibbs, PC Scott Thomson, PC Tim Clarkson, PC Emma Davies, and PC Nathan Fulton
• Devon and Cornwall: PC Zach Printer and one anonymous officer
• North Wales: PS Dylan Thomas, PC Rachael Roberts, PC Robert Burgess, PC Dion Hughes, and PC Robert Williamson

Statements from the Police Federation

Tiff Lynch, Acting Chairwoman of the Policing Federation for England and Wales, praised the dedication and commitment of all the officers: “Policing is always under the spotlight, and today the dedication and commitment to duty is highlighted. Every officer nominated is a winner; every story recounting their heroism; outstanding acts of bravery recognized.

Their actions of going above and beyond the call of duty are truly inspiring. To the families who support our police officers, we thank you; and to all of our nominees, we are proud to celebrate and pay tribute to your exceptional bravery.

The awards ceremony was a powerful reminder of the courage and dedication of police officers across the UK, who risk their lives daily to keep the public safe.