Fed chair’s good luck message to bravery award nominees

6 July 2026

North Yorkshire Police Federation chair Rob Bowles has sent a good luck message to three officers nominated for a national Bravery Award after trying to rescue a driver trapped on a railway line.

Roads policing officer PC Mike Halsted, and firearms officers PC Alex McGee and PC Anthony Grant-Marston will represent the Force at the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) Bravery Awards this month.

The officers have been nominated for risking their own safety to try to save the driver's life in York Place, Harrogate, on 17 July 2025.

Mike was first on the scene and found the vehicle at the bottom of a steep bank, having come to a rest upside down on the railway line below.

The firearms officers were nearby and attended to provide enhanced tactical medical capability. Firefighters were also in attendance.

Life-saving assistance

Despite being advised by Network Rail that it was unsafe to enter the tracks, the officers decided to access the line to provide urgent life-saving assistance to the casualty.

The driver was taken from the vehicle and carried up the steep embankment to the Stray by officers and firefighters, for emergency treatment before ambulance and air ambulance crews took over.

Tragically, the driver died, despite the efforts of those present.

Branch chair Rob Bowles said: “The three officers put their own safety at risk by going onto the railway line to try to save a member of the public.

“Their response was incredibly courageous, and they demonstrated outstanding professionalism and teamwork in challenging circumstances.

“We are proud that they will represent North Yorkshire at the Police Bravery Awards, and on behalf of the branch and our members, I wish them the very best of luck.”