Merseyside Police have 2 nominees for the National Police Bravery Awards

2 Merseyside Police Officers who apprehended drug dealers; who then ran over 1 of the Officers in their car; have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2023.

On 17 May 2022, PC Dan Parr and PC Steph Catterall were on mobile patrol in St Helens when a member of the public reported 2 men acting suspiciously and discarding a bag nearby.

The Officers recovered a large holdall containing a significant amount of cash and a quantity of drugs. They were provided with a description of a suspicious vehicle that had been seen in the area and, following a search, they identified a vehicle matching the description and stopped it. The Officers approached the vehicle and spoke to the occupants, who were evasive.

As the Officers attempted to search the vehicle, the driver pressed the ignition and began to drive off. PC Parr attempted to prevent them, but was dragged along by the vehicle and pulled underneath the wheelbase. This caused him serious injury and he was left in excruciating pain.

The vehicle made off and PC Catterall provided immediate 1st aid to PC Parr while providing clear communications through her radio of PC Parr's condition and a description of the vehicle. This allowed Police colleagues to attend swiftly to assist PC Parr, preserve evidence and apprehend the offenders.

The vehicle was located a short distance away and, after a foot pursuit, the two offenders were detained and arrested.

PC Carr's injuries were so serious that the ambulance service was unable to move him for over an hour. They eventually took him to hospital where he was operated on for a dislocated right shoulder; he also suffered a broken wrist and soft tissue damage to his leg. PC Catterall also sustained injuries to her shoulder in the incident.

A large amount of cash and drugs were subsequently recovered from the offenders, the vehicle and their home addresses. The case went to trial and the offenders received immediate custodial sentences of 4 years for possession of cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply and 2� years for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

PC Parr described in his victim impact statement how he felt his head banging on the floor and the van being driven over his legs, leaving him fear he would never walk again.

Merseyside Police Federation Chairman Tony Fairclough said:- "Dan and Steph are an absolute credit to the force. Their bravery and commitment in this incident are incredible. Despite PC Parr's severe injuries, PC Catterall kept calm and gave her colleagues the information they needed to apprehend the offenders."

The Police Bravery Awards are this week and are sponsored by Police Mutual.