A team of committed officers who placed themselves in immediate danger to confront an armed suspect and prevent further loss of life have been nominated for the national Police Bravery Awards 2026.

In July 2025, T/PS Mark Priestley and PC Hisham Riordan were deployed to an armed robbery in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.

On arrival, they quickly located the suspect who had made off towards Dewsbury Town Centre. It was a busy Saturday evening, with a large number of members of the public in the area. The male was highly agitated and emotional, and officers could clearly see that he was in possession of a large kitchen knife.

Faced with an immediate and serious threat, both officers positioned themselves between the suspect and nearby members of the public, preventing him from getting close to others. During this time, the male made repeated threats to kill the officers and said that he had already killed someone. He also continued to advance towards them, brandishing the knife with stabbing motions.

Despite the clear and significant risk to themselves and members of the public, both officers maintained their position, holding a protective barrier and prioritising the safety of the public while fully aware of the danger they faced.

The suspect then moved again, making a run towards a busy town centre pub. As he attempted to enter the premises, PC Umair Khan and PC Andrew Batty arrived on scene as a Taser officers. Acting immediately, they exited their vehicle and PC Khan deployed his Taser to the suspect’s back just as he was entering the doorway.

This decisive intervention with the help of PC Batty brought the situation under control and led to the safe arrest of the suspect.

While in custody, the male continued to state that he had killed someone and provided further details. Later that evening, officers attended an address and discovered a deceased female, confirming that the suspect had committed a murder earlier that night.

The actions of T/PS Priestley, PC’s Riordan, Khan and Batty prevented an armed and highly dangerous individual from entering a crowded licensed premises. The potential consequences had he gained access to the pub or continued through the busy town centre are impossible to quantify.

Through composure, teamwork and decisive action, the officers contained a rapidly evolving and life-threatening situation. Their willingness to confront an armed suspect and place themselves between him and the public reflects the very highest standards of policing and an unwavering commitment to protecting life.

West Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Craig Nicholls QGM said, “This is policing at its very best. PS Mark Priestley, PC Hisham Riordan, PC Umair Khan and PC Andrew Batty displayed immense bravery, professionalism and selflessness when confronted by a violent and armed suspect in a crowded public area.

“In a matter of moments, they were forced to make critical decisions in circumstances most people would struggle to imagine, yet they did so with real courage, clarity and determination. By placing themselves between danger and the public, they prevented what could have been an even more devastating loss of life.”

Their actions reflect the finest traditions of British policing. They are an enormous credit to West Yorkshire Police, and this recognition is thoroughly deserved

Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, Sir John Robins QPM DL, said:  

“The actions of T/PS Mark Priestley, PC Hisham Riordan, PC Umair Khan and Andrew Batty exemplify the highest standards of courage, professionalism and selfless public service.   

“When faced with a volatile individual who was armed with a knife and making threatening gestures towards them, they remained calm and in control of the situation before acting decisively to detain him as he attempted to enter a busy public house.  

“It later emerged that he had already killed someone, so I have no doubt that the officers’ actions on that evening almost certainly prevented a further loss of life.”  

“This was policing at its very best and is worthy of national recognition.”