Seven Humberside Police officers nominated for the 2021 National Police Bravery Awards

3 November 2021

A magnificent seven Humberside Police officers responsible for rescuing a man who had set himself alight with petrol have been nominated for The National Police Bravery Awards.

PC James Bee, PC Helen Dixon, Temp Sgt Mitchell Walker, PC Ian Sweeney, PC Paul Arthur, PC John Chase and PC Chris Grady have all been praised for their role in the dramatic events that could have seen a man lose his life.

The super seven are now nominated for the prestigious National Police Bravery Awards taking place this December in London.

In February 2020, Kevin Young took officers on a 110mph pursuit through Grimsby after he became obsessed with his ex-wife and wouldn’t accept that their 20-year marriage was over. During the incident he drove on the opposite side of the road, breached white lines, and could be seen dousing himself with petrol.

Despite the involvement of roads policing, ARVs, dogs and response, officers were unable to bring the pursuit to a safe end. Young escaped to the outskirts of Scunthorpe where the officers found him on foot at his ex-partner’s address. He was carrying a petrol can and a lighter.

Before approaching him, PC Grady, had already acquired a fire extinguisher from a local maintenance man. He tried negotiating with Young, along with PC Walker, but the suspect quickly lit his own petrol-soaked clothes and became engulfed in flames. The pair threw him to the ground, and without a thought for their own safety, put the fire out. Special Constable Bee and PC Sweeney helped detain Young while PC Chase administered first aid.

Young of Chelmsford Avenue, Grimsby, admitted stalking, breaching a restraining order and dangerous driving and was jailed for two years in March last year and given an indefinite restraining order.

Humberside Police Federation Chair Lee Sims said the officers who attended the incident that night deserve to be praised for their courage and professionalism.

Lee said: “It was an extremely dramatic and fast-moving event that could have ended very differently. Thankfully – due to the work of our colleagues - the offender was prevented from doing himself or anyone else any serious harm.

“Officers never know what the call will be or how an incident will unfold but our Humberside Police heroes dealt with what came at them with serious skill and determination.

“Congratulations to all our brave police officers involved for their superb work. They truly are a magnificent seven and we look forward to them rightly being recognised in London later this year.”

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, the officers will join colleagues from across the country at the prestigious 2021 Awards Ceremony in London in December.

The National Police Bravery Awards are sponsored by Police Mutual.