An off-duty police officer who arrested two weapon-wielding criminals in a supermarket car park has been nominated for a bravery award.
PC Stuart Watson has been shortlisted for a police bravery award and will find out if he has won at a ceremony in London next month.
He has been nominated for his actions while on a shopping trip to Tesco at Harford Bridge, on the Norwich outskirts. When he pulled into the car park he noticed a commotion around one of the cars.
He approached to see a man standing by the vehicle wielding a lump hammer – or small sledgehammer –and a woman in the front seat. Both were in an argument with a Tesco staff member.
After PC Watson had pulled the staff member to safety, the man swung the hammer at him. He dodged the blow, but the woman reached out of the car window and hit him on the head with a spanner, leaving him with a severe concussion.
PC Watson tackled the man to the ground and pulled the hammer away from him. He arrested the pair, who had been accused of shoplifting.
The awards are organised by the Police Federation and the Norfolk chairman, Eric Bradley, praised PC Watson.
'It is events like these that show that police officers are never truly 'off-duty',' he said.
'PC Watson showed true bravery, injecting himself into a violent and dangerous situation, to ensure the safety of other members of the public. It is a pleasure to nominate him for this award, and the recognition he deserves.'
Do you have a story about someone being recognised for bravery? Email stuart.anderson@archant.co.uk
Vote in Norfolk Police staff awards – Page 42
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