Police trio praised after knife attack

Sgt Tim Ansell, Sgt Marc Foster and PC Marcus Wolstencroft were nominated for the national Police Bravery Awards

Three police officers who detained a man after he stabbed two of them have been praised for their “heroic actions” at an award ceremony.

Sergeants Marc Foster and Tim Ansell from Greater Manchester Police were speaking to a group of people after a moped driver had refused to stop for officers in July 2023.

A man attacked Sgt Foster from behind and put a knife to his throat and Sgt Ansell was also stabbed in the neck as he tried to defend his colleague.

PC Marcus Wolstencroft, who had chased and arrested the moped driver, deployed a Taser on the attacker.

'A real credit'

Sgt Foster, who had been slashed in the neck and arms, was able to stem his colleague’s bleeding from the neck with his bare hands before medical support arrived.

Sgt Ansell suffered two open wounds to his neck and further wounds to his arms and body.

Ch Supt Colette Rose, from GMP, said: “The officers attended, on the face of it, a straightforward vehicle stop to assist colleagues.

“Without warning this turned from something quite innocent into a serious life-threatening situation,” she added.

The trio received a nomination at the national Police Bravery Awards on Thursday.

“The heroic actions of these officers prevented this incident from developing any further, and very quickly the suspect was apprehended, preventing any members of the public being caught up or injured,” Ch Supt Rose said.

“They were professional, brave and are a real credit to the organisation. We are all exceptionally proud.”