Top award for brave officer

A courageous police officer who put his life in danger by grappling with a thug armed with a large knife has scooped a prestigious bravery award.

PC Antony Spence was first on the scene, in the Hollins area of Oldham, to reports of an armed robbery back on the morning of Tuesday, October 29, 2024. 

As many will have seen on last week’s episode of Manhunt on Channel 4, the impacts on knife crime can be devastating and, in some cases, result in the loss of life. 

After the man entered the shop demanding cigarettes, PC Spence started to conduct an area search due to the suspect making off during the report being made. 

It only took a few moments to recognize the distinctive description of the thug given that PC Spence approached him, putting his life in danger, while the man brandished a large knife at him. 

Trying to instruct him to comply by dropping the weapon, the man blatantly refused and instead callously approached PC Spence threatening to harm him.  

Whilst calling for back-up from colleagues to help with the escalating situation, his taser was drawn and although ineffective the first-time round, the man was becoming a greater threat to the community due to his reckless and unpredictable actions, which included knocking on doors of innocent members of the community. 

That is when a short foot chase was pursued and the plucky officer ensured he did not lose sight of the offender while still having to deal with the threat of potentially being seriously harmed.  

Seizing on the moment of opportunity, PC Spence managed to use his baton to disarm the man and ensured he could make a prompt arrest before any severe injured occurred. 

The 26-year-old man is currently still sectioned in hospital under the Mental Health Act on suspicion of robbery, threats to kill and possession of a bladed article. 

As a result of his actions to serve and protect, PC Spence was subsequently recognized for his brave efforts at the Chief Constable’s Commendation event. 

This is not the first time, the officer has gone above and beyond the call of duty, as back in April 2023, he was one of two officers who won the Oldham Award for Bravery after an incident in Failsworth, involving four men armed with machetes following a burglary. 

On the incident and recognition, his Inspector said: “Antony Spence embodies what we want our officers to be; brave and bold, upholding the values we agreed when we take on the job. 

“On the morning, there was a real serious risk to life, not only his but members of the public, due to the unpredictable nature of the person holding the knife.” 

He added: “In this one incident, we’ve managed to make Oldham a safer place and it means we can conduct an effective investigation to ensure one less knife is off the streets. 

“Across Greater Manchester our officers day in and day out serve to protect the public in the best way they can and that often means putting themselves in harm’s way as the first line of defense. 

“We all need to work together to combat knife crime and anyone with information about knife crime in their local community can report it to us at the earliest opportunity, so we can investigate it, act on it and help keep you safe.” 

Residents can report knife crime by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency or can also report via www.gmp.police.uk 

To report anonymously, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the website: www.Fearless.org for 11-16-year-olds.