‘Surreal’ visit to Downing Street for courageous cop

12 July 2024

A Northamptonshire police officer nominated for a Bravery Award has told how ‘surreal’ it was visiting Downing Street.

PC Matt O’Brien was speaking after attending an exclusive reception hosted by the new Home Secretary Yvette Cooper along with the new Policing Minister Diana Johnson DBE, yesterday morning (Thursday 11 July).

It was the first official event hosted by members of the Government since the General Election, and was held in honour of those nominated for a national Police Bravery Award this year.

“It was all very surreal,” said Matt, whose heroic actions have been recognised after he used himself as a human shield to protect a woman being attacked by a dangerously out-of-control dog.

PC Matt O’Brien (centre) with Acting Chief Constable Ivan
Balhatchet (left) and branch chair, Sam Dobbs (right).

“It was very special, not just for me but for my partner Charlotte, who’s joined me.

“Neither of us will ever forget this day - it’s definitely a story we’ll be telling to the grandchildren in years to come.”

Matt and Charlotte, along with the chair of Northamptonshire Police Federation Sam Dobbs attended last night’s Police Bravery Awards, which was hosted by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) in London.

Acting Chief Constable Ivan Balhatchet and Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone also attended.