A security team in West Bromwich in the Midlands have been commended for their exceptional bravery for responding to the attempted murder of two police officers.
In July 2021, two West Midlands police officers were patrolling the New Square shopping centre in West Bromwich when they were attacked with knives by two assailants. The attack followed a Section 60 stop which gives officers powers to carry out additional stop checks.
The quick-acting security team response began with Supervisor Kenny Saunders who played a pivotal role in disarming an assailant with a knife who was about to stab a police officer. Security Officer Sunita Kaur was also very quick to respond and assisted the second police officer, who was in a struggle with an armed assailant. Sunita removed the bloody knife from reach and provided enough intervention and force to allow the police officer to handcuff the assailant.
Security Officer James Perkins swept all offensive weapons out of reach in a safe place to prevent further harm in the middle of this scene of carnage, blood and screaming.
Operations Manager Calvin Shakes said: “These officers I believe are some of the bravest officers I’ve witnessed in thirteen years of being SIA licensed.”
Other security team members who were attending a first aid course nearby provided support to their colleagues and the police, with quick actions and critical thinking. Controller Steve Price reported the incident and provided critical first aid to the horrific injuries that the police officers sustained until paramedics arrived. The rest of the team, Supervisor Gareth Rees and Security Officer Johnson Sodhi, borrowed the first aid kits of their colleagues who were physically engaged with the police and assisted with applying first aid. Graeme Clark, Director of Property Management at the Centre, said: “When we embark on a career in shopping centre management, we do not expect to have to deal with the attempted murder of two police officers. I can only imagine the emotions running through the security team in having to deal with such a terrifying incident. From what I understand, the team’s unbelievable bravery and speed of thought was instrumental in saving the officers’ lives.”
Thankfully, both police officers made a full recovery from their injuries. Their attackers were subsequently charged with attempted murder.
Graham Bassett
City Security magazine
