A routine shift turned into a life or death emergency when PC Phil Burgess, raced to reports of a man walking along a live motorway carriageway - a situation that could have ended in catastrophe within seconds.

Despite not being a traffic officer, PC Burgess responded immediately. When he arrived, he found the man striding along the outside lane of the motorway. With vehicles still thundering past at high speed, PC Burgess brought traffic on his side to a halt and stepped out to protect the individual.

What happened next escalated the danger dramatically. Without warning, the man climbed over the central reservation and into the opposite carriageway, where traffic continued to flow at full speed.

In that moment, PC Burgess made a split second decision that would define the incident. He vaulted the barrier after him.

In the middle of lane three, surrounded by fast moving vehicles, PC Burgess grappled with the man in a violent struggle. He suffered injuries during the confrontation yet maintained control long enough to detain him.

With traffic still rushing past, PC Burgess dragged the man to the hard shoulder, bringing both out of immediate danger.

The man was later convicted of assaulting PC Burgess and received a suspended sentence.
Senior officers have praised PC Burgess’s actions as nothing short of heroic. His response, they say, prevented a likely fatality and embodied the highest standards of policing.

Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: “The actions of PC Burgess showed great courage and compassion. Only too often our officers see the consequences of traffic collisions on our roads and so PC Burgess was fully aware of the danger he was putting himself in to save this individual.

“His actions are an absolute credit to Cheshire Constabulary and reflect the outstanding, and often courageous actions our people take day in day out to keep the public safe.”

Cheshire Police Federation Chair Jamie Thompson said: “What PC Burgess did that day goes beyond duty. He showed courage, compassion, and absolute dedication to public safety. His actions undoubtedly prevented a tragedy, and we are immensely proud of him.”