FIVE Kingsbridge Police officers have been recognised by Devon and Cornwall Police for their bravery in protecting their colleagues in May last year.

Four Devon and Cornwall police officers, who were violently attacked and then used themselves as body shields to protect their colleague from further injuries, have been nominated for a Police Bravery Award, while another officer is to receive a Superintendents Certificate for her actions at the scene.

The actions of Acting Sergeant John Dingle and Constables Ryan Hayhurst, Jonathan Lonsdale and Rebecca Sutton-Scott-Tucker, will be recognised at the 21st Police Bravery Awards on July 14. The awards honour and recognise ‘police officers who performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty’, and are sponsored by Police Mutual.

PCs Ryan Hayhurst, Jo Pengilly and Jon Lonsdale responded to a call for help from a member of the public in relation to a public order incident which was taking place in Retreat Close, Kingsbridge, on Wednesday, May 14.

A spokesman for the Police Federation said: ‘On arrival the suspect was identified and the officers tried to talk to him at the entrance of the ground floor flat, being unaware that he had laid a trap at the flat.

‘On being invited in, the offender tried to isolate PC Hayhurst by slamming the door on PC Lonsdale. Fearing for his colleague, PC Lonsdale managed to get his foot in the door. Both officers were then confronted by the offender with a powered angle grinder where they were subjected to a violent attack.

‘PC Lonsdale received a serious cut to his left arm causing an arterial bleed and then became unconscious from his injuries. When backup arrived, A/Sgt Dingle forced his way into the lounge of the property and helped PC Hayhurst to escape, whilst PC Sutton-Scott-Tucker found PC Lonsdale unconscious.

‘She was unable to lift him so she pushed him into a gap under the stairs, giving him first aid and shielded covered him with her own body to prevent further attacks.

‘Although injured, PC Hayhurst returned to the flat to help, knowing the offender was still in the building, and dragged PC Lonsdale to safety. Other officers arrived to cordon off the area and the offender was arrested.’

Nigel Rabbitts, Chairman of Devon and Cornwall Police Federation, said: ‘This was an extremely challenging situation, and the officers were in the face of extreme danger and violence. This courageous act required the officers to put the safety of other’s ahead of their own, and they should be commended and recognised for the bravery of their actions.

‘Without the timely intervention of all his colleagues, especially PC Sutton-Scott-Tucker, then PC Londsale’s injuries would have been fatal.’

Sgt Dave Green, Kingsbridge Police, said: ‘In addition to the officers nominated for the National Bravery Awards, PC Jo Pengilly is to be awarded a Superintendents Certificate for her actions at the scene.

‘She attended the initial incident in support of Jon and Ryan. She tried with Jon to stop the door being shut trapping Ryan, then when she realised Jon had been injured radioed for urgent assistance. She ensured the safety of local residents nearby, before driving Jon to hospital to ensure emergency medical treatment could be given as soon as possible.

‘All of us at Kingsbridge police are tremendously proud of the actions taken by all five colleagues on that day. The nominations are certainly well deserved. We are also particularly grateful for the ongoing support of the officers’ families who, over the last year, have shared the process of recovery together with their loved ones.

‘We never forget the pressures on police families, who say goodbye to their husbands or wives, Mummy or Daddy each day, not knowing what they may have to do to keep others safe, nor what dangers they may face.’