Two brave officers from Cumbria Police, PC Ruth Coates and PC Michael Doyle, have been nominated for the national Police Bravery Awards 2024 for their courageous actions in containing a violent individual who caused serious harm to both officers during an unexpected outburst.
The incident occurred on November 12, 2022, at a temporary asylum hotel in a remote village in Cumbria, following reports of a male causing damage and exhibiting unsettling behaviour.
Upon arrival, PC Coates and PC Doyle encountered the male, initially calm, but upon learning of his actions, they moved to arrest and detain him. However, the situation quickly escalated when the individual attempted to flee.
PC Doyle managed to tackle the assailant on the stairs with assistance from PC Coates, but the individual viciously bit down on PC Coates’ arm with such force that he left a permanent scar, penetrating multiple layers of clothing. Despite PC Coates’ screams of pain, PC Doyle eventually managed to pry the man’s jaw open with his fingers.
In a horrifying turn of events, the assailant then bit down on PC Doyle’s finger with intense strength, causing PC Doyle to fear the loss of his finger. Despite their injuries and the effects of PAVA spray, both officers remained resolute in their efforts to restrain the individual.
PC Coates deployed her Taser multiple times to free her colleague, and both officers endured severe bite wounds until backup arrived. The situation was so urgent that backup officers had to drive with intensity to the scene, resulting in tactical contact with a tree to stop the vehicle due to worn-out brakes.
Cumbria Police Chief Constable Rob Carden commended the officers for their professionalism, determination, resilience, and courage, emphasizing their exemplary conduct during the incident.
Cumbria Police Federation Chair Ed Russell praised the officers for their incredible fortitude and professionalism in ensuring the safety of the public despite facing a sustained and unpredictable attack. He highlighted their bravery and measure as exemplary of the British police force’s standards.
The nomination of PC Ruth Coates and PC Michael Doyle for the Police Bravery Awards 2024 reflects their outstanding courage and dedication to duty, setting a high standard for policing in Cumbria.
