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Police officer dragged along road as drug dealer sped off
A police officer was “dragged along the road” after the driver of a car he was searching “accelerated and drove off”.
Merseyside Police’s Dan Parr and Steph Catterall were on patrol when they responded to reports of two men who were seen acting suspiciously. The men had discarded a bag containing a significant amount of cash and drugs in St Helens.
Following a search of the area in May last year, they spotted a vehicle matching the description, and while carrying out a search the driver accelerated and drove off, dragging Dan along the road. He sustained serious injuries to his wrist, shoulder and leg which took months to recover. His injuries were so serious, paramedics were unable to move him for over an hour.
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Steph gave him first aid and radioed through what had happened. This helped colleagues to apprehend the two offenders who were both subsequently jailed for four years and two years six months in prison.
Now, the two PCs have been nominated for a National Police Bravery Award. Dan and Steph will find out if they have won the accolade at the prestigious awards in July where they are competing against 88 police officers from 35 police forces across England and Wales.
Speaking about the nomination, Dan said: “Steph and I are delighted and proud to be recognised for our work were police officers deal with incidents like this all the time. We are looking forward to attending the awards and meet fellow officers across the country.”
Merseyside Police Federation put Dan and Steph forward for the nomination. Tony Fairclough, Merseyside Police Federation chair, said: “This is an outstanding example of teamwork, bravery and determination by PC Parr and PC Catterall and exemplifies how our selfless police officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect the community of Merseyside.
“The injuries sustained from this incident were horrific, highlighting the real dangers and unpredictability of the work police officers undertake on a daily basis. Their dedication and bravery ultimately led to the arrest and conviction of two individuals at Liverpool Crown Court for possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply and causing serious injury by dangerous driving respectively. We are very proud of Dan and Steph, both very worthy nominees for this year’s National Police Bravery Awards.”
Merseyside Police Chief Constable Serena Kennedy added the officers were an “absolute credit” to the force and community. She said: “The bravery and proactive actions of PC Parr in seeking to detain two suspects who were engaged in criminal behaviour led to him receiving serious injuries.
“The injuries were believed to be so serious that North West Ambulance Service were unable to move him for well over an hour. PC Catterall, despite the emotions she must have been feeling knowing her colleague was seriously injured, kept her composure.
“PC Parr’s commitment to the organisation was evident, within weeks he was mithering his command team to come back to work and he had to be told to focus on his recovery and his wellbeing.”
Chief Constable Kennedy added that all staff at Merseyside Police are “dedicated to keeping all our communities safe” and often put ther own personal safety on the line every day.
She said: “However they expect and deserve to return home safely to their loved ones. Sadly this was not the case on this occasion, and I am incredibly proud of both officers for their actions on the night and indeed their professionalism and positive approach since then.”
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