Quick-thinking duo wished luck ahead of Bravery Awards

7 July 2026

Durham Constabulary’s representatives at the 2026 National Police Bravery Awards have come in for praise from Federation chair Louise Guest as the ceremony approaches.

PCs Andy Docherty and Josh Laddie are both gearing up for the prestigious event this summer, which brings together outstanding police officers from across the country to celebrate their acts of courage on the frontline.

The heroic duo became nominees after apprehending a dangerous, weapon-wielding suspect and potentially saving the life of a second man in a violent late-night incident.

Having resumed their shift after attending a report of attempted shoplifting at a local corner shop, Andy and Josh were conducting a routine follow-up drive on the property when they spotted something untoward at a distance.

As they got closer, they found two individuals fighting each other with weapons, in a brawl which was escalating by the second. 

After making a move to disperse this, it became apparent to the officers that one man was in possession of a large kitchen knife – and despite hearing repeated commands for him to drop the six-inch blade, he had no intention of doing so.

This forced Andy into incapacitating the suspect with his Taser, allowing the knife to be secured underfoot and an arrest to be formally made.

Stab wounds

But their duties were not yet over as it emerged the other man was struggling with multiple stab wounds near his chest, with the officers ensuring he was connected to hospital treatment as soon as possible.

The victim made a full recovery from his injuries, while the suspect was taken into custody and later returned to prison.

Andy and Josh will now go on to represent Durham Police Federation at the Bravery Awards, in recognition of their decisive response.

The pair will travel down to London for the event, with branch chair Louise Guest ready to throw her support behind them on the night.

“The quick-thinking of Andy and Josh in the incident was just exceptional, and they are completely deserving of this special nomination,” Louise said.

Bravery

“Not only did they have to take immediate action without a moment to hesitate, but the situation they ran towards was extremely dangerous and unpredictable, reflecting the kind of demands police officers often find themselves responding to.

“Meeting these requirements and expectations never gets any easier or more automatic – each time, it takes an active gathering of courage and commitment, and that should never be overlooked.

“This is what the Bravery Awards celebrates so well, and I’m really pleased both Andy and Josh will be able to experience such a wonderful night of total appreciation for policing.

“On behalf of the Federation, we wish them the best of luck for the evening and hope they enjoy themselves throughout.”

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