Two Metropolitan Police Service constables have won the 2024 national Police Bravery Award for their response to an incident of extreme violence.
PC Alannah Mulhall and PC Joseph Gerrard put their own lives at risk to protect colleagues and the public with their efforts to detain a knifeman who had stabbed both in a frenzied attack.
In the early hours on 16 September 2022, the two PCs were responding to a call at Leicester Square where a male had been arrested for spiking and a victim was being cared for.
PC Mulhall along with her colleague heard a commotion on the street and went to investigate. At this point they were confronted by a man armed with a knife.
The male stabbed PC Mulhall through her arm – the wound was so deep it almost went through the other side.
Despite the serious injury, she remained calm and composed and was able to call for assistance from colleagues. On their arrival the man was still armed with a knife and multiple attempts to detain him failed as Taser, PAVA spray and baton strikes failed to subdue him.
Focusing on keeping members of the public safe, PC Mulhall and her colleagues, including PC Gerrard, stood their ground and ensured the crowd stayed back from the dangerous situation before backup arrived.
The suspect now appeared fixated on trying to cause harm to PC Gerrard and despite further attempts to detain him, he lunged at him stabbing him five times causing injuries to his neck, arm and puncturing his lung.
It was only through the work of paramedics that the chest injury did not have more serious consequences.
Both officers were taken to hospital where they underwent surgery for their injuries. Both returned to duty in 2023.
Presenting the award, the Rt Hon Dame Diana Johnson DBE MP, Minister of State, said: “I am incredibly honoured. It is a pleasure to be here this evening.
“I would like to thank every one of the nominees here tonight for their actions.
“To you and all your colleagues, for what you do to keep the public safe, thank you. I was struck by the impressive people you are. A phrase that stuck out for me is ‘forever going into the unknown’.
“Your families must be so proud of you. I am so proud of you. To those here tonight, be proud of what you do. It could not matter more.”
PC Gerrard said: “The adrenaline was running high, and all officers will agree that we make spur of the moment decisions.”
PC Mulhall said: “This highlights the urgent need for new generation vests for all police officers.”
The regional winners are:
Region 3 (West Mercia): PS Shannon Murphy, PS Lee Baker and PC Thomas Simmonds
Region 4 (Lincolnshire Police): DC Andy Pearson
Region 6 (Devon and Cornwall): PC Zach Printer and PS Graham Temple
