An Islington policeman who tackled a samurai sword-wielding man has been honoured with a National Police Bravery award.
Sgt Stephen Brown had only his CS spray and baton to tackle the offender, who was repeatedly swinging his sword at his head and neck on Christmas Eve, 2012.
The man had used the same weapon to repeatedly stab a woman earlier that day in north London and was arrested after a violent struggle. Ahla Timofei, 26-year-old, was found guilty for attempted murder and was sent to a secure mental prison for life.
Sgt Brown, who has been an officer for 12 years, received the prestigious National Police Bravery award at a ceremony in central London on Thursday.
“I feel other people deserve it more and I feel very honoured to have won this award,” Sgt Brown said, adding that he was “overwhelmed” to have won.
“I would do exactly the same thing again and it is what every officer would have done in that situation.
“People call it brave but it is just part of the job.”
Met officer Sgt Stephen Brown receiving his award at #policebravery14 A good man pic.twitter.com/LJKn8jEnhF
— Royston Martis (@RoamingRoyston) October 16, 2014
The event was attended by home secretary Theresa May, minister for policing Mike Penning and Metropolitan Police commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, among other officials.
Ms May said: “The actions of Sgt Stephen Brown are a powerful reminder of the commitment and courage that Police officers bring to their role.
Islington residents and local authorities took to Twitter during the ceremony to congratulate Sgt Brown.
@MPSIslington Sgt Stephen Brown is a hero and a real police officer. You must all be so proud! #hero #gmb
— Kelly Diver (@rockandrollgira) October 17, 2014
@MPSIslington a very brave man, an example of our police force. Wishing all police officers a safe career.
— Dannyboi (@unicornalpha69) October 17, 2014
Well done Sgt Brown!! Have a great night! Wish we could b there 2 celebrate with u. @MPSIslington @Oh_My_Maps @PFEW_HQ #policebravery14
— Kt (@ilovekandi) October 16, 2014
@MPSIslington delighted Sgt Stephen Brown won national award for bravery at Police Fed annual awards – v well deserved #islingtonhero
— Lesley Seary (@LesleySeary) October 17, 2014
[…] Bravery award for Islington's Samurai sword-fighting sgt An Islington policeman who tackled a samurai sword-wielding man has been honoured with a National Police Bravery award. Sgt Stephen Brown had only his CS spray and baton to tackle the offender, who was repeatedly swinging his sword at his head and … Read more on Islington Now […]