A Merseyside PC who single-handedly tackled a robber armed with what appeared to be a handgun is up for a bravery award.
The incident took place when PC Paul Kirwin, 47, who is based in Maghull, was with a colleague on uniformed patrol in Litherland in July 2013.
While driving their marked police car through the shop precinct car park on Pendle View, Litherland, PC Kirwin became suspicious when he saw an agitated man standing in an alleyway.
PC Kirwin told his colleague to drop him off and drive to the rear of the shops. He then made his way to the end of the alleyway where saw the man leaning into the rear of one of the shops.
He saw that the man’s arm was outstretched and that he was pointing a black handgun at the terrified staff members inside.
As the man tried to look around PC Kirwin took hold of the male and grabbed his arm to prevent him pointing the gun.
A violent struggled then ensued during which PC Kirwin was able to restrain the man, causing him to drop the handgun, which turned out to be an imitation firearm.
He was then arrested for attempted armed robbery for which he was later charged.
The man, who has not been named, pleaded guilty at court to attempted robbery and possession of a firearm with criminal intent. He was given a 12-month supervision order.
PC Kirwin has now been nominated in the Police Federation Bravery Awards, which are presented annually to honour police officers who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off-duty.
He has already been recognised by Merseyside Police and received a Chief Constable’s Commendation and Award of Merit for the incident.
Merseyside Police Federation chairman Peter Singleton said: “There is no doubt that PC Kirwin’s quick thinking and outstanding bravery led to the arrest of a very dangerous individual, prevented the commission of an offence of a robbery, reduced the trauma that the shop staff suffered and prevented the male committing any further offences and trauma to other members of the public.”
The awards will take place on Tuesday, October 27 and nominated officers will attend a reception at Downing Street and an evening awards ceremony.
Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/