Police sergeant Charlie Thompson tackled a man who had doused himself in petrol and was threatening to ignite himself with a lighter at a Tesco petrol station forecourt in Stratford-upon-Avon in October last year, preventing what could have been a catastrophic explosion. The incident, captured on video, shows the tense stand-off as the man, who has not been named, demanded to speak to several people, including the mayor, and gave emergency services 15 minutes to act.
Quick-Thinking Officer Risks His Life
Sgt Thompson, of Warwickshire Police, wrestled the man to the ground after he poured more petrol over his head. The man was just inches away from the petrol pumps, risking a massive explosion. In the footage, Sgt Thompson can be heard pleading with the man, saying: 'I will try and do what I can. I won't talk to you while you are holding a lighter. I will talk to you, but not here. We need to get you away from here. Tell me what's going on. You don't need to be doing this. What is this about? You need to be very careful.'
Officers and Firefighters Work Together
After Sgt Thompson tackled the man, other officers piled on top while firefighters hosed him down with foam to prevent the risk of a fire. The quick co-ordination of the team ensured that no one was injured and the situation was brought under control without a tragedy.
Nomination for Bravery Award
Sgt Thompson has been nominated for an award at the Police Federation National Police Bravery Awards 2026. Acting Chief Constable David Gardner, of Warwickshire Police, said: 'We are extremely proud of Sgt Thompson, who demonstrated incredible fortitude, empathy, and quick-thinking in his actions that day. It is thanks to him, and the other officers on the ground, that there wasn't a tragedy that day in Stratford-upon-Avon. He is more than worthy of the Bravery Award.'
Officer's Humble Response
Sgt Thompson said: 'I couldn't have done it without the team behind me – we co-ordinated, we worked together, and it was together that we stopped what could have been a terrible loss of life. I'm overwhelmed to have been nominated for a Bravery Award – it's always a good day when our hard work in the police is recognised like this. I hope that the chap I tackled is doing better now – it will have been a very low moment for him, and we hope he's managed to pick himself back up and get the support he needed.'
