Humberside Police Federation Chair: "We need to send a message out there that people can’t assault officers”

2 February 2022

"We need to send a message out there that people can’t assault officers”, Humberside Police Federation has said, as a man who shot at a Humberside PC is acquitted of attempted murder.

In yesterday’s trial, Jamie Burke was found guilty of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life, and possession of a firearm whilst prohibited. He will be sentenced next month.

Humberside Police Federation Chair Lee Sims said: “No officer deserves to go to work and get assaulted, let alone have a firearm discharged towards them.

“I’m hoping that Burke receives the maximum sentence. We need to send a message out that assaulting an officer is not OK, and this case is taking it to the next level.”

Last July, Humberside PC Zac Meadows was on plain-clothes duty in Scunthorpe when he saw Jamie Burke down an alleyway with a known drug dealer. He shouted at him to stop so he could search him, then gave chase.

Burke turned around with a gun in his hand and discharged it towards PC Meadows, but luckily it missed him. A gun was later found with five live bullets and one spent one in the revolving chamber.

PC Meadows alerted other officers of the shooting, who pursued Burke and managed to arrest him.

Lee said: “Zac showed immense bravery when he challenged the suspect, and I also give credit to the officers in the subsequent search for the suspect, when they knew that he had a firearm.

“I’ve spoken with all the officers, but I’d like to thank them again for all their determination and courage in catching the suspect.

“We need to recognise that this could have been so much different if Zac had been shot.

“Anybody would be traumatised if they were shot at, but I know the force has looked after him and he’s back at work, which is a credit to him.

“I’m hoping that Burke receives the maximum sentence next month.”