Bravery award for officers who saved stabbed woman

Laura said the officers' intervention saved her life

Two Leicestershire Police officers have won a bravery award for saving a woman who was stabbed by her partner.

PC Jack Milman and PC Tom McGrath responded to a 999 call in August last year to find the woman, Laura, had been strangled and stabbed seven times in her own home.

PC Milman disarmed Laura's partner, who was having a mental health episode, and PC McGrath pulled her away and stemmed her bleeding.

The pair were announced as winners of the Eastern region award at the National Police Federation of England and Wales Police Bravery Awards on Thursday.

Warning: This article contains an image that some readers may find graphic

Laura, whose surname has been withheld, said the officers' intervention had saved her life.

A judge said the actions of PC Milman and PC McGrath prevented a tragedy

Following the awards, Leicestershire Police's Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Michaela Kerr said: "These two officers gave little to no thought about putting their own lives at risk by going into that property despite being given the information that the man inside was armed with a knife.

"Their quick actions and thorough training prompted them to step into action and disarm the man as well as essentially provide emergency first aid to the severely wounded victim.

"Quite rightly, this is a response and lifesaving actions that deserve the upmost respect and recognition for."

Laura underwent emergency surgery after she was stabbed

In addition to the seven stab wounds, one of which was life-threatening, Laura also suffered a collapsed lung and broken rib, and required two emergency surgeries, as well as ongoing treatment.

She previously told the BBC: "I can't put into words how grateful and thankful I am for them.

"This has affected me massively. These officers decided to intervene; the man who attacked me was dangerous and strong.

"I've found my purpose now, and without them both saving my life, I wouldn't have this new purpose to be able to help survivors or help prevent these things, maybe, in the future."

The defendant was charged with attempted murder and intentional strangulation.

He was deemed unfit to stand trial but, at a trial of the facts, was found to have committed the alleged act.