Brave duo nominated for national award after tasering knife suspect

12 May 2026

Two police officers have been nominated for a national Bravery Award after confronting an armed suspect during a violent late-night incident, potentially saving a man’s life.

The incident unfolded during a night shift in 2025, when PC Andrew (Andy) Docherty and PC Joshua (Josh) Laddie responded to reports of a shoplifting attempt at a corner shop in the area.

By the time they arrived, the suspect had already left. After attempting to gather CCTV footage from the shop, which was closing at the time, the officers resumed patrol. However, their routine follow-up drive past the scene would quickly escalate into something far more serious.

While looping back along a nearby road, the officers noticed dark silhouettes in the distance. Stopping their vehicle in the middle of the road, they realised two individuals were engaged in a violent struggle.

 

PC Josh Laddie (left) and PC Andy Docherty.

 

“At first, we thought they had bats,” 33-year-old Andy recalled. “We knew they had weapons.”

Both officers drew their Tasers and approached. Josh moved in to pull one man off the other. As the suspect rolled over, the officers saw he was holding a large kitchen knife, later described as having a six-inch blade.

Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, the suspect attempted to walk away. Andy discharged his Taser, successfully incapacitating him. As he fell, the knife dropped from his hand and was quickly secured underfoot while he was placed in handcuffs.

Only after securing the suspect did the officers realise the severity of the situation. Members of the public shouted that the second man had been stabbed. He was found with two puncture wounds near his chest and was rushed to hospital.

Doing my job

“At the time, I was just focused on doing my job,” Andy said, adding: “It’s only afterwards you realise it could’ve been a lot worse.”

The victim was treated and discharged from hospital soon after, while the suspect was taken into custody and later returned to prison.

Josh, 28, with nearly five years’ service, described the moment as fast-moving and uncertain. 

“Initially, I thought the other male with a metal bar might be the suspect,” he said. “We didn’t realise straight away he was acting in self-defence.”

He added: “You deal with what’s in front of you. If the threat changes, you adapt. That’s policing.”

Teamwork

Both officers also administered first aid at the scene after subduing the suspect.

Andy credited teamwork as crucial to the outcome. “If I’d been on my own, I don’t know if I could’ve managed it,” he admitted. “I was grateful Josh was there.”

The pair have since been nominated for a national Police Bravery Award - an honour they both describe as humbling.

“In my eyes, I was just doing my job,” Andy said. “But the lad could’ve died. It’s a privilege to be recognised.”

Josh added: “You get criticism from all angles in this job, so when something positive happens - when you know you may have saved a life - it means a lot.”

For them, however, it’s all part of the role. “You just move on to the next thing,” he continued. “That’s policing.”

Selfless bravery

Durham Police Federation chair Lousie Guest said,” Andy and Josh are both well deserved of this nomination; they showed selfless bravery in a highly volatile and dangerous situation.

“They successfully apprehended a violent offender and their bravery and courage should be commended. They are a credit to the service and community they serve, and I am proud that they are part of Durham Constabulary.”

Echoing Louise’s words, Chief Constable Rachel Bacon said: “Both officers demonstrated exceptional bravery and professionalism when they intervened in an ongoing knife attack.

“They came across this incident whilst on patrol, they did not have time to consider their response or plan what to do. They acted with instinct, using their training and without hesitation, took immediate decisive action, placing themselves in danger to protect the public and save a life.

“They confronted the suspect who was actively attacking the victim, they prevented further harm, and provided critical assistance to the injured person, ultimately saving a life.

Courageous teamwork

"Their calm and courageous teamwork led to the safe apprehension of the suspect, exemplifying the highest standards of courage, selflessness, and commitment to public duty. All whilst acting together as their support travelled to the area.

“Police Officers across Durham, and the country, demonstrate acts of selflessness daily, demonstrating unwavering commitment to maintaining public safety and risking their own safety in doing so. As Chief Constable, I am exceptionally proud of their actions and feel they are deserving of national recognition. I wholeheartedly support this nomination.”

Andy and Josh will represent Durham Police Federation at this year’s national Police Bravery Awards in the summer.

READ MORE: MHAW: branch secretary Phil Stephenson shares his story.