Sussex Police officers win regional bravery award

11 July 2025

Two Sussex Police officers who risked their lives at sea to save a vulnerable child from drowning have been named regional winners at the 2025 National Police Bravery Awards.

Sgt Matthew Seekings and Sgt Craig Lees picked up the award at a glittering ceremony in London last night (10 July) in front of a room of inspirational officers from 38 police forces.

Sgt Seekings and Sgt Lees won the award for their actions on 25 May 2024, when they attended a coastal location at around 10pm to help look for a vulnerable teenage girl who had gone into the sea.

They used torches to locate the girl, who was more than 50 metres out to sea; they could see her head going under the water multiple times, indicating she was in significant trouble and at risk of drowning. Although the coastguard was called, their estimated time of arrival was too long to prevent potential loss of life.

With the girl now 60 metres out to sea in near pitch-black conditions, Sgt Seekings and Sgt Lees realised they could lose sight of her if she went fully underwater. They entered the water, swam out and rescued the girl, pulling her back to safety. She was treated by paramedics and taken to hospital. The officers’ brave and selfless actions were crucial in saving the girl’s life.

After being named as regional winners, Sgt Craig Lees said: “It feels amazing. In policing you do lots of amazing work and it quite often doesn’t get recognised. However, although me and Matt went into the water, the whole team were there so I feel that this award is also for the whole team. It makes me really proud.”

Sussex Police Federation Chair, Raffaele Cioffi, said: “I am so proud of Matthew and Craig for their fearless actions that day – they are worthy winners of this prestigious regional bravery award. It is right that they are getting this recognition, as they took a huge risk to save a young life. Well done from all of us.”