Police honoured for tackling man swinging knife

Three police officers who were stabbed and slashed while tackling a man wielding a knife have been honoured for their bravery.

The trio, based with Cleveland Police, were attacked in 2023 after responding to a call following concerns about a man's behaviour.

They were called to the scene along with four others and were described as "Cleveland's bravest and best" for risking their lives to safeguard the public.

On Thursday, they were honoured at the national Police Bravery Awards in London.

Police bodycam footage captured the violent confrontation, shouts and screams.

PC Maverick Reddington was stabbed under his armpit and described what happened as "absolute bedlam".

"I tried to defend myself with a baton to back him off, but there was a flurry of knife swings," he recalled.

"I later realised my stab vest was covered in slash and stab marks."

PC Reddington said it was only down to pure luck that the knife missed his major organs.

'Heroic actions'

The man with the knife was eventually overpowered and pinned to the ground.

PC Holly Grey was stabbed in the leg and another officer suffered a slash wound.

PCs Sam Handley, Rachael Dack, Cara Crosby and another unnamed officer were also involved in trying to disarm the man.

Cleveland’s Chief Constable Mark Webster said the group "represent the very best of the force and we could not be prouder of them".

He added: "I’m pleased their heroic actions have been recognised."

The National Police Federation awards honoured 102 police officers from 39 forces across England and Wales, celebrating the extraordinary acts of courage shown by those on the frontline.

PC Reddington said he and his fellow officers were "humbled" to be recognised for their actions.

"Everything comes down to teamwork and the way officers work together as friends, colleagues and a family," he said.