A pair of heroic officers who faced a brutal mob attack while protecting the public have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2025. 

In the early hours of November 26, 2023, an incident of shocking violence unfolded as two police officers from Cleveland Police, Sergeant Steven Bolsover and Officer B, faced an aggressive mob while attending a fire during public unrest.  

The events of that night serve as a stark reminder of the dangers police officers confront on a daily basis.  

PS Bolsover and Officer B were patrolling an area already on edge due to earlier disturbances, including a vehicle being overturned and set ablaze.  

While responding to a fire, Officer B moved ahead to investigate, briefly losing contact with PS Bolsover. As the sergeant approached, he was met with the sound of raised voices. 

Turning a corner, he found Officer B encircled by five aggressive males, threatening him with physical harm. Despite issuing warnings, the group persisted in their behaviour, making it clear that tensions were escalating.  

Prioritising the urgent need to control the fire, the officers attempted to focus on their duty, but the aggressive crowd continued its intimidation tactics. 

When an arrest became necessary, the suspect violently resisted, forcing both officers to engage in restraint. The situation deteriorated rapidly as the suspect incited the surrounding individuals, shouting, “There’s more of you than them, get them off me, do them in”. At that moment, mob mentality took over, and the group launched a frenzied attack on the officers. 

Realising the immediate danger, PS Bolsover used his baton to create a brief moment of space, allowing him to defend himself. However, this left Officer B to single-handedly subdue the arrested male while fending off further assaults. Against the odds, he successfully restrained the suspect and handcuffed him. 

Meanwhile, the remaining attackers turned their aggression toward PS Bolsover. Bricks, bottles, and pieces of concrete were hurled at him. A male attempted to strike his head with a house brick, a blow that could have been fatal had he not narrowly dodged it.  

Moments later, a glass bottle hit its mark, shattering upon impact and causing serious injuries to his hand, severing muscles and nerves. The shattered glass also lodged into his chin, leaving deep lacerations and heavy bleeding. 

As PS Bolsover fought through his injuries, he saw that the situation for his colleague had become even more dire. At least eight individuals had surrounded Officer B, attempting to free the arrested male and assault the officer.  

Despite the overwhelming assault, Officer B demonstrated extraordinary resilience, managing to hold onto the suspect while defending himself. 

Recognising the urgent need for assistance, PS Bolsover activated his emergency alarm, signalling for backup. Despite serious injuries, he pressed forward, using his baton to defend himself until the sound of approaching sirens caused the attackers to flee. 

Backup officers soon arrived, bringing the situation under control. The police vehicle of the two officers had been seriously damaged in the chaos, and the extent of PS Bolsover’s injuries led one arriving officer to fear his throat had been cut due to the heavy blood loss. He was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. 

Multiple arrests were made following the attack. Five males were charged and later pleaded guilty to assaulting Officer B, violent disorder, and grievous bodily harm with intent (s18 wounding) against PS Bolsover.  

They received custodial sentences, ensuring some measure of justice for the officers who faced their violent assault. 

Tragically, the injuries sustained by PS Bolsover were life-altering. The damage to his hand meant he would never regain full movement, forcing him into medical retirement. A dedicated career in policing was cut short due to the senseless actions of a violent mob. 

Carl Baker, branch secretary of the Cleveland Police Federation, expressed his admiration of the extraordinary bravery displayed by these officers, stating: 

“Police officers do not come to work to be assaulted, but the ferocity of this attack is unbelievable. Both officers have shown immense courage and demonstrated the true values of Policing, trying their best to serve their community. 

“Despite being severely injured, the danger and risk were faced head-on, exposing the officers to further harm. This is why policing is a job like no other, and our officers are the best of the best. I am proud to call these officers my colleagues.”