On 24 March 2021, PC Jack Ginger, PC Jessica Hamblett and PC Richard Hayes were in plain clothes on mobile patrol in a plain vehicle. PC Hamblett noticed a number of individuals loitering together.

Due to the suspicious behaviour of this group, PC Hayes turned the vehicle around. As they did so, the officers heard a loud bang, which they believed to be a firearm discharging.

A few seconds later they saw a man running down the street carrying a black bin liner, seemingly trying to conceal its contents. Due to the way he was acting and the loud bang the officers had just heard, they identified themselves as police officers and the man ran off towards a black Ford Focus, which was parked up with two other men inside.

PCs Ginger, Hamblett and Hayes immediately gave chase to the man, who they believed was in possession of the firearm. The man tried to get into the Ford Focus, which made off, driving dangerously on the pavement towards the officers, but leaving behind the man with the gun.

This man ran off and was pursued on foot by PC Ginger, followed by PC Hayes, and supported by PC Hamblett in the police vehicle. After a pursuit through a number of back streets, PC Ginger managed to detain the man with the assistance of his colleagues.

PC Hayes then conducted a search along the route of the pursuit and found the black bin bag discarded near where the offender had tried to get into the car. This bin bag contained a converted blank-firing Retay handgun, with the cartridge still in the chamber – a prohibited firearm.

The offender was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. His fingerprints were found on the bag in which the gun was found and he was remanded into custody.

The offender was jailed for five years in July 2021.

Greater Manchester Police Federation Chair Lee Broadbent said: “What a tremendous trio of colleagues. We are very proud of their work.

“The actions of Jack, Jessica and Richard in pursuing a male who was armed with a firearm, which they believed had just been discharged, was exceptionally brave.

“The officers acted fast to detain this man and prevent any harm to members of the public, at significant risk to their own wellbeing.

“Not only was the suspect apprehended, but their excellent commentary during the pursuit directed other officers to support, and the subsequent scene management ensured the recovery of the weapon and other important evidence.

“The actions of these officers has brought a very high-risk individual into custody, which will have had a significant impact on protecting and reassuring the local community.”

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, PC Ginger, PC Hamblett and PC Hayes will attend a reception and an awards ceremony in London in July.

The National Police Bravery Awards are sponsored by Police Mutual.