Trio given bravery award for stopping Spalding town centre sex attack

Ben Tyler, Charlie Burley and Callum Smith received the award from senior police officers

A trio of teenage Good Samaritans who stepped in to save a woman being sexually assaulted have been recognised for their bravery.

Ben Tyler, Callum Smith and Charlie Burley were aged 15 and 16 when they stopped the attack in Spalding in 2021.

The three have received an award for their actions, described as "bravery in its purest form".

The attacker was jailed after admitting causing actual bodily harm with intent to commit a sexual offence.

The three were given the award at the National Police Chiefs' Council's annual Police Public Bravery Awards in Sheffield.

During the ceremony, attendees heard how the teens scared the man away, chased him and managed to retrieve a bag they believed he had stolen.

They then stayed with the victim of the assault until emergency services arrived.

'True role models'

Lincolnshire Police said the attacker was subsequently charged with attempted rape, robbery and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He later pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm with intent to commit a sexual offence and was jailed for four years and one month at Lincoln Crown Court.

Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Chris Haward said the young men were "true role models" and "deserve every accolade possible".

Mr Haward added: "It is incredible to think that, as 15- and 16-year-olds, they chose to step in where others didn't and their actions undoubtedly saved the victim from a more serious sexual assault."