A determined officer placed himself in significant danger to prevent an armed offender from escaping and causing further harm.

On 10 August 2024, Roads PC Will Hunter stopped a vehicle of interest at a petrol station in the Leam Lane area of Gateshead during routine patrol.

PC Hunter pulled over the offender after informing the driver that the car would be impounded due to having no insurance, the situation escalated rapidly. The driver attempted to return to his vehicle and make off.

Recognising the risk to the public if the driver escaped, PC Hunter positioned himself between the driver and the car door to prevent him from leaving. The driver then launched a violent assault on the officer.

The offender was significantly larger than PC Hunter and was able to overpower him during the struggle as he attempted to seize the car keys. During the attack, he bit PC Hunter’s hand, and during the struggle the officer’s police radio and body worn video camera were torn from his body armour.

PC Hunter attempted to incapacitate the offender using PAVA spray, however this proved ineffective. Despite this, he continued to prevent the driver from re-entering the vehicle, maintaining his position in the face of ongoing violence.

The situation escalated further when the offender retrieved a machete from the back seat of the car and immediately began attacking PC Hunter. Despite the extreme danger, PC Hunter remained in position, using his arms to defend himself while continuing to block access to the vehicle.

In a further effort to bring the incident under control, PC Hunter deployed his Taser as a last resort. However, this too did not achieve the desired effect, and the offender continued his assault, even attempting to seize the officer’s Taser.

Exhausted and injured, PC Hunter continued his efforts to detain the offender and prevent his escape. Despite his determined actions, the offender was eventually able to overpower him, flee the scene in his vehicle and ram the police car, leaving PC Hunter injured in the road.

The offender was swiftly located and arrested nearby.

Matthew Bello was initially charged with attempted murder but later pleaded guilty to wounding with intent at Newcastle Crown Court.

Despite sustaining injuries in the attack, PC Hunter later returned to duty.

His actions on that day demonstrated exceptional determination, resilience and commitment to protecting the public. By placing himself between an armed offender and a vehicle, he prevented an immediate threat to the wider community, despite facing sustained and life-threatening violence.

PC Hunter’s actions have since been recognised with the Bravery and Lifesaver Award at the Force’s Pride in Policing Awards, reflecting the high regard in which his conduct is held.

Northumbria Police Federation Chair Nick Munnelly said, “Will demonstrated incredible bravery and courage during this incident and his actions have rightly been applauded by his colleagues, however he truly deserves this nomination and national recognition.

“This incident highlights the real risks police officers face daily, but Will’s bravery also truly epitomises the true resolve of police officers across the country who fearlessly face up to these dangers.

“Will, despite being seriously injured, protected the public and we, at Northumbria Police Federation, are proud of him and his bravery.”

Assistant Chief Constable Steve Wykes has praised the bravery shown by PC Hunter.

He said: “PC Hunter showed incredible bravery and should be extremely proud of his actions that day. It is a privilege to call him a colleague.

“This was a shocking attack and one which could have easily had a far worse outcome.

“Our officers come to work every single day to make a difference to people’s lives – and we want to make it clear that violence against them is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

“I am pleased the person responsible for this attack has been brought to justice.”