Suffolk officers in line for Police Bravery Award

8 October 2021

Two Suffolk police officers who rescued three terrified children from a house in which a “crazed” gunman had wreaked havoc and was threatening to kill them will be honoured at the national Police Bravery Awards on Tuesday.

PCs Pete French and Jordan Tuck were called to what they believed to be a routine domestic disturbance – but found themselves at the centre of a major incident and having a shotgun pointed directly at them by an agitated man.

Darren Harris, chair of Suffolk Police Federation, which nominated them for the awards, said:  “Pete and Jordan, who were both unarmed, showed extraordinary courage and determination during this incident and their bravery ensured that these children and an adult at the property were safely removed from a situation that could have had a tragic outcome.

“Despite the clear danger they were in, they put their lives on the line in carrying out this rescue. They are very worthy nominees for the national Police Bravery Awards."

The officers entered the house in Great Cornard, near Sudbury, in September 2019 to scenes of devastation, with broken glass and debris strewn across the property.

They found a frightened and tearful 12-year-old girl cowering in the kitchen, who told them: “He’s gone outside.”

Going into the garden, they were confronted by a man brandishing a shotgun, which he aimed directly at the officers.

Both officers backed away while giving the man clear commands to drop the weapon, but were met with “verbal hostility”.

The officers retreated into the property and ensured the doors were locked before leading three frightened children – one of whom was found hiding in a cupboard – and an adult to safety. Throughout the operation they kept the gunman under observation.

They were told by one of the children that the man had said that he “was going to kill them all”.

With the property cleared, the gunman tried to smash his way into the house, using the butt of his shotgun on the patio doors, before going behind a garden shed.

He reappeared and doused the shed with petrol before setting it alight. The blaze was quickly out of control with 20ft flames spreading to neighbouring properties.

The man then crouched behind a hedge with his shotgun pointed towards the officers and the house. PC French advised the control room that, due to the unpredictability of the male, there should be no sirens when back-up arrived and that no one should enter the garden.

But, while awaiting support from armed police, the officers noticed the man had lowered his gun and seized the opportunity to arrest and handcuff him.

The weapon was found to be loaded. A closer inspection indicated an attempt had been made to fire the weapon, but it failed to discharge.

Afterwards, both PCs French and Tuck admitted they feared for their safety and that of the family involved and neighbours, and were hugely relieved to escape unharmed.

They have been nominated in the Police Federation's Police Bravery Awards 2020. The Covid-delayed awards evening will take place in London on Tuesday (12 October). A total of 94 officers from 42 forces in England and Wales have been nominated for the awards.

The defendant has since appeared at Ipswich Crown Court and admitted a string of firearms charges: possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life; possessing a shotgun without a certificate; possessing ammunition without a firearm certificate; possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and making use of a firearm with intent.

He also admitted arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered; making a threat to kill; assault occasioning actual bodily harm; assault by beating and damaging property.