PCs recognised for bravery during 2024 disorder

PC Bethany Cottrell was one of the two officers nominated for the Your Heroes Awards in Staffordshire

Two police officers who showed "unwavering courage" during the violent disorder of summer 2024 have been nominated for an award.

PCs Bethany Cottrell and Natalie Millward, of Staffordshire Police, were on the frontline during a riot in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, on 3 August last year.

The unrest, which broke out across the UK after disinformation was spread in the wake of the murder of three girls in Southport, saw officers subjected to abuse, threats and projectiles, Staffordshire Police said.

A force spokesperson said PCs Cottrell and Millward showed "courage and resilience", with both shortlisted in Staffordshire's Your Heroes Awards this year.

Ch Insp Dave Barrow said both officers were without protective gear but ran towards people armed with weapons including gardening forks, baseball bats and timber.

They managed to disarm them in a "direct act of bravery", he added, before their commander ordered them to withdraw.

PC Natalie Millward has been praised for her courageous actions during the unrest

Ch Insp Barrow said PC Cottrell then changed into protective gear before rejoining the frontline, while PC Millward helped to distribute bottles of water to exhausted officers.

"Both officers epitomise what it means to serve in uniform," he said. "Their unwavering courage and selflessness minimised violence and prevented serious injury to countless individuals.

"In the face of extraordinary danger, they sacrificed their own safety to protect others."

The Your Heroes Awards, organised by the University of Staffordshire, highlight unsung heroes in communities across the county.

The uniformed hero category, for which PCs Cottrell and Millward have been nominated, recognises those who have gone above and beyond their usual duties.

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony held at the Double Tree by Hilton hotel in Stoke-on-Trent on 27 November.