Fearless officer who dis-armed threatening gunman nominated for National Police Bravery Award
13 June 2011
In the early hours of the morning, DI Mark Dimelow was on duty and single-crewed when he responded to a report that a male had left his home address in a drunken state, dressed in full combat clothing, armed with an air rifle and ball-bearing handgun.
Information was relayed that he intended to provoke armed officers into shooting him. After searching the address, DI Dimelow expanded the search parameters to cover a wider area. Approximately twenty minutes later, he saw a figure observing from the parapet of the railway bridge running over the high street.
The male was on the bridge, dressed in a combat jacket with what appeared to be goggles on his forehead and was shouting at the police. He then lay on the railway line. He was carrying a long barrelled air weapon which was pointed directly at DI Dimelow, shouting and threatening him with intent to shoot. At this point, the male dropped the air rifle and produced a red coloured handgun, and pointed this weapon directly at the officer. He resumed his threats to shoot DI Dimelow.
Verbal attempts to get the male to drop the weapon were unsuccessful; however when the male became distracted and looked behind him down the railway line, DI Dimelow ran towards him and disarmed him, using his CS gas and baton.
DI Dimelow demonstrated outstanding courage and leadership in dealing with a very dangerous and developing situation.
Chairman of Cleveland Police Federation Steve Matthews said this was a very brave act carried out by an officer doing his everyday duty, and typifies what the police service in the UK is all about.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITOR
- The Police Bravery Awards, hosted in partnership with The Sun newspaper and Police Mutual, is an annual event which honours Police Officers across England and Wales for their actions to tackle criminals and keep the public safe. This year marks the 16th anniversary for the Police Bravery Awards. The ceremony will take place on 7th July 2011, The Savoy, Strand, London, WC2R 0EU.
- The Police Federation of England and Wales, represent 140,000 Police Officers up to and including the rank of Chief Inspector. Established by statute, we are responsible not only for the welfare of our members but also ensure that their views on all aspects of policing, including relevant legislation, are relayed to government, opinion formers and key stakeholders.
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