Bravery gong for courageous cop

BRAVERY award . . . PC Mohammed Kashif receives his award from Chief Constable Peter Fahy (left) and Greater Manchester Police Federation chairman Chris Burrows

A FEARLESS cop who risked his life to capture an armed thief has been honoured for his bravery.

PC Mohammed Kashif was hailed Brave Officer of the Year at Greater Manchester Police’s Chief Constable’s Excellence Awards.

His nomination described how he exposed himself to danger continually during the pursuit and capture of an offender.

“The courage and tenacity he showed deserves to be singled out as outstanding,” it said.

The award comes after the Oldham Division response office was called to a report of an attempted armed robbery at an off-licence in Ashton Road on January 17, last year. Two raiders fled from the scene after off-licence staff activated the alarm but PC Kashif recognised their description and gave chase. The offenders split up but PC Kashif cornered one of them who placed his hand inside his jacket in a clear attempt to show he was about to draw a pistol.

PC Kashif discharged CS spray at the man and wrestled him to the ground until assistance arrived. A discarded handgun and ammunition were later recovered near by.
More than 240 officers and staff gathered at Manchester Town Hall to celebrate the outstanding work and commitment going on throughout the Force as Chief Constable Peter Fahy presented awards to the winners.

Mr Fahy said: “The officers and staff nominated for awards should be extremely proud of themselves for their continual efforts and first-class service they provide to not only members of the public, but also to their colleagues. They are all winners.”