PC stabbed through the thigh with a samurai sword in Northampton up for bravery award along with colleague

The actions of Constables Rob Monk and Gary Liddle will be recognised at the 21st Police Bravery Awards on July 14.

It comes after their actions on a Sunday evening in November 2014 after they responded to reports of a man causing damage to cars with a baseball bat in an address in Northampton.

Arriving at the scene, the officers found the damaged cars and could see there was damage at a nearby house. They were concerned the man may attempt to take his own life and that he had some mental health problems.

The officers, one armed with taser and both with protective shields, approached the front door of the property where the man was yelling aggressively from inside and continually trying to keep the officers outside.

At one point, PC Monk managed to jam his foot in the doorway, keeping the door ajar.

But, the man then suddenly lunged at the officers and stabbed PC Monk in the leg with a samurai-style sword he had hidden behind the door.

PC Liddle acted quickly, knowing the offender was still armed, and pulled PC Monk, who was bleeding heavily, from the doorway. The sword had penetrated PC Monk’s thigh straight through and was close to a main artery, and he was bleeding heavily.

While PC Liddle improvised a tourniquet, PC Monk used his taser to afford some protection to his partner while further help arrived. PC Liddle then rushed his colleague to hospital for immediate treatment, all the while genuinely fearing for PC Monk’s life.

Gez Jackson, chairman of the Northamptonshire Police Federation, said: “The bravery and professionalism shown by officers Monk and Liddle went above and beyond the normal call of duty. Both men put their own safety at risk, and PC Monk suffered a very serious injury in the process of trying to protect the public.”

Stephen Mann, CEO of Police Mutual, said: “This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Police Bravery Awards and the eighth consecutive year that Police Mutual has sponsored them. We are proud to continue our support for such an inspirational event in the Policing calendar and to be able to show our respect for the exceptional courage shown by Police Officers who risk their lives every day to protect the public.”

The awards, sponsored by Police Mutual, honour and recognise police officers who performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty.