A heroic police officer who ensured a dangerous suspect was detained, even after sustaining a severe head injury exposing his skull, has been nominated for the national Police Bravery Awards 2024.

In the early hours of 11 March 2023, PC Chris Duffy and Police Dog Reno attended the Sunnydale Inn, Mansfield, after reports that seven people were threatening to smash the windows and assault the landlord.

Having tracked to a hiding suspect, who then ran away, PC Duffy deployed PD Reno. The suspect was detained by PD Reno in an alleyway.

Whilst searching him, PC Duffy became aware of another male in the alleyway.  This male was Mason Perkins, the detained suspect’s brother.

He asked PC Duffy if he could pass by, not knowing it was the detainee’s brother and him posing no threat at that time; PC Duffy allowed him to pass by.

PC Duffy was then violently struck across the back of the head by Perkins, knocking him to the floor.

Without warning or any sound, PC Duffy felt a tremendous blow to the back of his head, jolting it forward violently. The force was enough that his body gave away underneath it and he fell to the floor.

He was kicked on the left side of his body and Perkins stood over him throwing a volley of punches which landed on his face and his body.

Knowing he was now in a fight for survival, he began kicking with all his power whilst trying to protect his face with his left arm as his right hand was gripped onto PD Reno.

PC Duffy fought back and got to his feet. Realising he was bleeding heavily, he pressed his emergency button, still maintaining control of the arrested suspect, who had prevented PD Reno from detaining his brother.

PD Reno was placed into a police vehicle whilst colleagues provided emergency first aid. PC Duffy’s injuries were subsequently described by a forensic pathologist as, a ‘chop wound’.

Walking back towards his vehicle, PC Duffy sighted the offender who was now running away. Despite his horrific injuries, he chased after Perkins, updating colleagues by radio.

He was swiftly detained by other officers, thanks to PC Duffy being able to spot and chase the suspect making off despite his severe injuries, and ensured there was no cross-contamination of evidence. 

PC Duffy was taken to hospital, where it was discovered he had a seven-inch-long wound to the back of his head, exposing his skull.

No weapon was ever recovered, and PC Duffy was forced to take a month off from work to recover from his injuries, which the judge described as “grave”. He also sustained a black eye and PD Reno was also injured. The psychological impact of the assault is still there for PC Duffy. 

Nottinghamshire Police Federation Chair Simon Riley said: “PC Duffy’s bravery is astounding. He was the victim of a brutal and sustained assault by Mason Perkins, with a weapon, from behind and with no warning.

“For PC Duffy to have managed to maintain control and complete the arrest of the first suspect is remarkable enough, but to then give chase after Perkins, despite his horrific injuries, and still have the presence of mind to think forensically, is absolutely heroic. 

“His actions undoubtedly assured a violent and highly dangerous criminal was taken off the streets and Perkins will now spend a significant time in prison for his despicable crime as the result of PC Duffy’s bravery.

“This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers our members face every day when they turn up to work to protect the public. Police officers are ordinary human beings performing an extraordinary role. I am beyond proud of PC Duffy’s incredible bravery and dedication to his duty and he is a more than worthy nominee for the PFEW national Police Bravery Award of 2024.”

Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: "This officer’s bravery stands in stark contrast to the deplorable and cowardly actions of Mason Perkins. Other officers at the scene in Mansfield Woodhouse that night did a highly professional job to support their injured colleague and ensure two suspects were quickly arrested.

“I would also like to thank the team of detectives who carried out an exemplary investigation, quickly charging Perkins and building a strong case which has seen him put before the courts. Violence aimed at anyone, including our officers, will never be tolerated in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and we will always ensure those who commit such horrendous attacks are brought to justice.”