Brave Melissa: super citizen

HEROINE: Melissa Faulkner is to receive a bravery award.

Pupil, 15, is first to get police award after fending off thug
A HERO schoolgirl who stepped in when a man was being attacked on a bus is to receive a bravery award.

Melissa Faulkner (15) was going to her mum’s house in Hathershaw when the bloody assault happened on the top deck of the No 59.

She did not hesitate to put herself in the line of fire between the thug and his victim to protect him — while adults on the bus failed to act.

Now the North Chadderton School pupil will be the first to receive a new community award from the head of Oldham Police, Chief Supt Tim Forber.

Melissa, who lives with her dad in Springhead, had been visiting a friend in April when the attack happened at around 10.30pm. She recalled: “I was on the bus going home and a man got on and sat behind me. There were lots of older lads at the back and some of them had been drinking. One of them must have got angry and went towards the man behind me and hit him.

“He was bleeding all over. I tried helping him and gave him a tissue and asked him if he was OK.

“The bus then stopped and the man went to hit him again, but I stood in front of him because I did not think he would hit me. I was scared but he was really hurt. There were other people on the bus but they just didn’t say a thing.”

The attacker got off and ran away, followed by his friends. Melissa rang for an ambulance and the police, staying with the victim who was in his 20s. His injuries included a swollen eye and he stayed in hospital overnight. His attacker was caught by police in an alleyway and later convicted of assault and a public order offence.

Melissa, who is currently doing her ICT GCSE and health and social care diploma, will receive the Chief Supt’s Community Award created by Mr Forber. But she said modestly: “I do not think I have done anything.”

North Chadderton head teacher Joy Clark said: “I am very proud of what Melissa has done. Young people frequently get a bad press however Melissa has stood tall and acted in a totally selfless manner without any consideration for her own safety.”