Merseyside Police officers who confronted Southport killer honoured
Sgt Gillespie was the first to arrive at Hart Street in Southport and he described seeing "chaos", with "extremely panicked" people in the street.He directed paramedics to a seriously injured child before being joined by PC Holden and PCSO Parry.They witnessed members of the public running away from the dance studio carrying young children.
'Split-second decisions'
Armed with a baton and a Taser, Sgt Gillespie and PC Holden entered the building while PCSO Parry covered the exit.They found Rudakubana, then aged 17, holding a large knife at the top of the stairs.They approached while shouting at him to drop the knife. PCSO Parry also ran in to assist.Rudakubana, who was jailed for a minimum of 52 years in January, dropped the weapon and was handcuffed and arrested after the trio struck him with a baton.Police Federation of England and Wales national chairwoman Tiff Lynch said of all the winners: "Whether confronting violent attackers, rescuing individuals from life-threatening situations, or making split-second decisions under immense pressure, these officers have shown exceptional courage and selflessness".
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