Award for officer who tried to save Lilia Valutyte

Lilia Valutyte was fatally stabbed as she played in a street in Boston town centre

A police officer who tried to save a nine-year-old girl after she was stabbed has won a national bravery award for his actions.

Lilia Valutyte died after being attacked while playing in a street in Boston on 28 July 2022.

Det Con Andy Pearson was off-duty at the time of the incident but provided medical care to the girl at the scene.

Deividas Skebas was handed an indefinite hospital order following a trial at Lincoln Crown Court in July 2023.

'Exceptional'

The actions of Det Con Pearson, who has served with Lincolnshire Police for 17 years, were recognised at the Police Bravery Awards in London on Thursday.

Ch Supt Kate Anderson, from Lincolnshire Police, said: "He was brave in his actions that night, and continued to show exceptional levels of resilience, commitment and bravery as the investigation progressed, being a key witness."

Earlier this week, Det Con Pearson told the BBC he "did what everyone hopes they'd be able to do" in that situation and did not consider himself to be brave.

Tiff Lynch, acting chair of the Police Federation for England and Wales, described the awards as a "hugely important date in the policing calendar".

She added: "Their actions of going above and beyond the call of duty are truly inspiring."

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