Merseyside pensioner honoured at national police public bravery awards

A Merseyside pensioner who helped two community support officers in Seaforth was among those who were presented with a Police Public Bravery Award earlier this week.

The National Police Public Bravery Awards, organised by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), recognise the assistance provided by members of the public who have intervened to foil criminal acts and come to the aid of others.

The prestigious awards ceremony was held in the heart of Sheffield city centre and welcomed 57 nominees from across all forces in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy and Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell were in attendance to honour the bravery of Merseyside resident Angela Sheridan and present her with her award.

Gold and Silver medals were presented to the public on the night, along with a special Binney Award medal to the most outstanding winner. 

The awards recognise outstanding acts of bravery or meritorious devotion to civic duty, in support of the police, which contribute to the maintenance of law and order. 

72-year-old Angela Sheridan from Litherland won a Gold Medal for supporting two Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in Seaforth and showing her commitment to keeping her local community safe. 

In June 2021, two PCSOs on patrol spotted two youths on an electric bike that was not road legal. They approached the males and seized the bike but were quickly surrounded by three other males. Some of the males tried to physically remove the bike from the PCSOs and one PCSO was assaulted.

Angela Sheridan who had seen what was happening quickly stepped in to try and stop the males from attacking the PCSOs and as a result she was punched to the face and at one point heard one of the males talking about getting a blade, which was clear reference to a knife. Despite this Angela and the two PCSOs stood firmly together and one male has been arrested and released under investigation.  On that day Angela showed incredible courage and civic duty in her support of the PCSOs who patrol her community. 

In July of this year, Merseyside Police celebrated 20 years of PCSOs and their vital work to deter anti-social behaviour, provide reassurance, gather intelligence and work with businesses, schools and partners to improve the safety of our neighbourhoods.

Reacting to her award win, Angela Sheridan said:

“I was very surprised to be nominated for a Police Public Bravery Award. I acted on instinct, stepping in to help the officers felt like the right thing to do. I’ve had a fantastic time at the event, hearing about the many acts of bravery up and down the country. Thank you to the organisers for this special award.”

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: 

“It has been an honour to attend the Police Public Bravery Awards and meet the remarkable people who have gone above and beyond to protect themselves, their families and the wider public.  

“I would like to congratulate all the award winners, with a special mention to Angela Sheridan from Merseyside. I’m delighted Angela has been recognised on the national stage for her bravery. Angela showed immense courage, compassion and care to our community support officers in what would have been a frightening situation. Everyone at Merseyside Police is immensely grateful for her selfless act of bravery and devotion to civic duty.” 

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Congratulations to all the winners and nominees at Police Public Bravery Awards. It was inspiring to hear incredible stories of bravery from individuals stepping in to support the police and protect others.

“I was particularly proud to see Angela from Merseyside awarded a gold medal for her courageous efforts – well-deserved recognition and a true example of the public supporting our policing colleagues in their hour of need.”