3 November 2021

Two Dorset police officers nominated for the 2021 National Police Bravery Awards

Two Dorset Police officers who stopped a dangerous knife-wielding man from burning a housing complex to the ground have been nominated for The National Police Bravery Awards.

On the morning of 18th April 2019, Sgt Paul Linpower and PC Lee Mather were called to an address in Bournemouth to help care workers deal with a violent man suffering from mental health illness.

The man had been threatening carers with knives and had set fire to the housing block’s kitchen.

Once they arrived on the scene, the officers could see the man was in the kitchen of the complex, home to several other residents, including families and children.

As Sgt Linpower started to talk to the man through the door, he could see a gas hob was alight and that items were burning away on it.  As they opened the door, the officers could feel the heat from the fire before the man suddenly approached them, holding a large knife.

Fearing for his and his colleague’s safety Sgt Linpower quickly shut the door again and called for a shield. By now, the man had enflamed the fire by placing a plastic tray on the gas cooker and turning on the gas rings.

The officers knew they had to act quickly to prevent the kitchen and the rest of the housing block becoming engulfed in flames. The man’s life, theirs and other residents were clearly in danger, particularly as he was still brandishing two large kitchen knives.

The officers decided they had to put themselves in real danger to stop a potential tragedy.

Using Taser could have made the fire even worse because of the likelihood of escaped gas in the kitchen, but the officers also realised the man could use the knives on himself or others.

As PC Mather readied his Taser, Sgt Linpower opened the door again with a round shield fetched from their patrol car as protection. The man came lunging towards them, holding knives in both hands and raising one hand above his head, ready to stab at them.

PC Mather discharged the Taser, which incapacitated the man allowing the officers to disarm and handcuff him.

Firefighters then entered and tackled the blaze as the officers provided post-incident care to the man, who had resisted arrest once the effects of the Taser had worn off.

The man was given the mental health support he needed.

Dorset Police Federation Chair James Dimmack said the officers had shown calm professionalism and courage in averting what could have become a fatal incident.

“We are very proud of both Paul and Lee for the determination and bravery they showed in what were extremely difficult and dangerous circumstances,” he said.

“They had to deal with the twin threat of the fire as well as this violent man who was armed and dangerous. That the incident passed off without harm to them, the man or the families in the housing block is to their immense credit.

“They put their own safety below that of others, and we are very grateful to them.”

The National Police Bravery Awards honour officers from across England and Wales who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty.

As nominees, Sgt Linpower and PC Mather will attend an Awards Ceremony in London on 9 December 2021. 

The National Police Bravery Awards are sponsored by Police Mutual.