Police officers who ran towards a knife-wielding man to save a woman and child are recognised for their bravery

Greater Manchester PCs Paul Matthews and Josh Farrell

Last year, Police Constable’s Paul Matthews and Josh Farrell were on duty when they were called to reports of a stabbing.

Despite having no back up and being unarmed, the officers forced entry, finding a woman who had been stabbed in the back, a second woman with serious injuries in the hallway, and the suspect was upstairs with the child.

Without any regard for their own safety, they ran upstairs to the man brandishing a large knife and managed to disarm and arrest him.

PC Matthews said: “I’m incredibly honoured to have received this award.

"I don’t think either of us would regard ourselves as brave at all – we just go into work every day and do the best we can in any given situation, it’s just part of the role really, and I’m proud to do it every day.

“At the time of the incident, PC Farrell was a student officer, but his professionalism and ability to remain calm in a situation like this was exemplary and I knew he had my back from the minute we entered the property."

PC Farrell said: “We both have young children, and our top priority was to safeguard the baby, regardless of the risk posed to us.

"I think the adrenaline took over and we knew we had to help, it was just a case of get in, do the job, and do what we can.”

Chief Superintendent Rick Jackson, from GMP City of Manchester division, said: “Officers never know what they are turning up to when they attend an incident, but that day, they both potentially saved lives and prevented further injury.

“Officers regularly come up against dangers, often unexpected dangers, in the line of duty and it’s only right we acknowledge acts of bravery and professionalism.

“They both unhesitatingly put themselves in harms way and through their brave actions, the man was disarmed, and emergency services were able to come in and help the injured women.

“They are both a credit to Greater Manchester Police.”

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