Shropshire Police Officers Commended For Courage

Two Shropshire police officers have been commended for their actions in overpowering a violent man threatening to kill a woman.

Police Constables Andy Wardlow and Ryan Ford, both based at Whitchurch, "demonstrated courage in forcing entry into a dangerous environment, restraining and administering first-aid to the offender who sustained extensive self-inflicted burns during the incident."

Both officers have been awarded Superintendent's Commendations.

They attended a late-night incident in Whitchurch last September following a report that a man was trying to kill a woman.  As they approached the address, screams and sounds of a major disturbance could be heard from inside.

The suspect was attempting to break down an interior door to reach the woman.  When confronted by PCs Wardlow and Ford, he ignored their requests and began to barricade himself into a kitchen.

Inspector Graham Preece, the officers' supervising officer, said: "The suspect began boiling a kettle which the officers feared would be used against them.

"PC Wardlow attempted to force entry into the kitchen without success,  Despite the risk of being burnt by boiling water, he then managed to use his CS spray on the suspect through a window, allowing PC Ford to make a forced entry.

"Once inside the room, both officers overpowered and restrained the man in a controlled manner, quickly providing initial first-aid as he had scalded himself."

Inspector Preece added: "Owing to the decisive actions of PC Wardlow and PC Ford, the subject was arrested without injury to any other person.  Working together, they demonstrated courage in managing a dangerous situation."

Issued: Friday, 06 January 2012