Sgt Charlie Thompson has been nominated for the Police Federation National Police Bravery Awards 2026 after he tackled a man who had doused himself in petrol at a Stratford-upon-Avon forecourt, potentially preventing a devastating petrol station explosion.
Heroic Intervention at Stratford-upon-Avon Forecourt
Sgt Charlie Thompson leapt into action after witnessing someone attempting to set himself alight in Stratford-upon-Avon. The individual demanded that other people – including the mayor – be brought to the forecourt after he had soaked himself in petrol and was clutching a lighter. Sgt Thompson and a negotiation team attempted to reason with the man, but to no avail.
Seizing a crucial moment, the officer managed to divert the man's attention and charged forward to bring him to the ground, according to Birmingham Live. Additional officers swooped in and seized the lighter, while a firefighter doused him with foam to eliminate any chance of ignition.
Nomination for National Bravery Award
For his brave actions, Sgt Thompson has been put forward for the Police Federation National Police Bravery Awards 2026. The man who was tackled was understood to have received support and been rehoused since these events.
Police warned that a petrol station explosion could prove catastrophic. Last year in Rome, 29 people were injured following a petrol station fire.
Recognition from Acting Chief Constable
Acting chief constable David Gardner 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.'
Sgt Thompson'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.'
