A Greater Manchester Police officer has been commended for his bravery after disarming and detaining a robbery suspect armed with a large kitchen knife in Oldham. PC Antony Spence was first on the scene following reports on 29 October last year that a man had entered a shop in the Hollins area, threatening staff with a knife and demanding cigarettes.
When PC Spence arrived, the suspect had fled but was located shortly afterwards still carrying the weapon. The suspect advanced towards the officer, saying: 'Do you want to die?' and ignored repeated commands to drop the knife. PC Spence fired his Taser, but it was ineffective due to the suspect's thick clothing. The suspect allegedly ripped off the Taser prongs and fled, with the officer giving chase.
During the pursuit, the suspect again threatened PC Spence with the knife, and an attempt to use PAVA incapacitant spray was unsuccessful. At one point, PC Spence was forced to take cover behind a parked car to avoid being stabbed. The suspect then knocked on a member of the public's door and began shouting. PC Spence ordered him away, and the chase continued until the officer used his baton to disarm and detain the man.
The 26-year-old suspect was arrested on suspicion of robbery, making threats to kill, and possession of a bladed article. He remains detained in hospital under Section 3 of the Mental Health Act. PC Spence received a bravery award at the Chief Constable's Annual Awards, with colleagues praising his 'courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to public safety'.
Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said: 'It is often said police officers run towards danger when others flee. PC Spence did exactly this... His level of selflessness to ensure there was no wider risk to the public, disregarding the risk to himself was outstanding.'
