Two officers who ‘displayed immense courage’ despite being stabbed win national Police Bravery Award

PC Alannah Mulhall and PC Joseph Gerrard put their own lives at risk to protect colleagues and the public with their efforts to detain a knifeman who had stabbed both in a frenzied attack.

In the early hours on September 16, 2022, the two PCs were responding to a call at Leicester Square where a male had been arrested for spiking and a victim was being cared for.

PC Mulhall along with her colleague heard a commotion on the street and went to investigate. At this point they were confronted by a man armed with a knife.

The male stabbed PC Mulhall through her arm – the wound was so deep it almost went through the other side.

Despite the serious injury, she remained calm and composed and was able to call for assistance from colleagues. On their arrival the man was still armed with a knife and multiple attempts to detain him failed as Taser, PAVA spray and baton strikes failed to subdue him.

Focusing on keeping members of the public safe, PC Mulhall and her colleagues, including PC Gerrard, stood their ground and ensured the crowd stayed back from the dangerous situation before backup arrived.

The suspect now appeared fixated on trying to cause harm to PC Gerrard and despite further attempts to detain him, he lunged at him stabbing him five times causing injuries to his neck, arm and puncturing his lung.

It was only through the work of paramedics that the chest injury did not have more serious consequences.

Both officers were taken to hospital where they underwent surgery for their injuries. Both returned to duty in 2023.

Presenting the award, the Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP, Minister of State, said: “I am incredibly honoured. It is a pleasure to be here this evening.

“I would like to thank every one of the nominees here tonight for their actions.

“To you and all your colleagues, for what you do to keep the public safe, thank you. I was struck by the impressive people you are. A phrase that stuck out for me is ‘forever going into the unknown’.

“Your families must be so proud of you. I am so proud of you. To those here tonight, be proud of what you do. It could not matter more.”

PC Gerrard said: “The adrenaline was running high, and all officers will agree that we make spur of the moment decisions.”

PC Mulhall said: “This highlights the urgent need for new generation vests for all police officers.”

The regional winners are:

Region 1 (Great Manchester Police): Neighbourhood Sergeants Marc Foster and Tim Ansell, and PC Marcus Wlostencroft.

Region 2 (Cleveland Police): PCs Holly Grey, Sam Handley, Maverick Reddington, Rachael Dack, Cara Crosby and two officers who wish to remain anonymous

Region 3 (West Mercia): PS Shannon Murphy, PS Lee Baker and PC Thomas Simmonds

Region 4 (Lincolnshire Police): DC Andy Pearson

Region 5 (Hampshire): PCs Emma Davies, Tim Clarkson, Nathan Fulton and Scott Thomson, and PS David Gibbs

Region 6 (Devon and Cornwall): PC Zach Printer and an officer who wishes to remain anonymous

Region 7 (North Wales): Sergeant Dylan Thomas, PC Rachael Roberts, PC Rob Burgess, PC Dion Hughes, and PC Rob Williamson

Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, Donna Jones, said: “On behalf of all PCCs, I wish to pay tribute to the commitment and remarkable courage shown by those officers nominated for honours at this year’s Police Bravery Awards.

“The stories of selflessness in the face of danger are extraordinary and inspiring. Our police officers place themselves at potential risk every time they begin a shift, and in the course of their duties can find themselves facing frightening and traumatic situations that leave a damaging and lasting impact on their physical and mental health. It is right that this is acknowledged by those who work across the policing sector and beyond. 

“Thank you to all officers for the bravery you show in the face of unpredictable risks. Your actions keep the public safe day in, day out. We are hugely grateful for all that you do to protect your communities.”