Rochford PCs Awarded - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Rochford PCs Awarded – TWO Essex Police officers have been honoured for bravery for an off-duty act of courage after confronting armed burglars in Rochford.

Rochford PCs Awarded - TWO Essex Police officers have been honoured for bravery for an off-duty act of courage after confronting armed burglars in Rochford.

TWO Essex Police officers have been honoured for bravery for an off-duty act of courage after confronting armed burglars in Rochford.

Sgt Alex Farr and PC Sam Hilbery were honoured with bravery awards at the Essex Police Federation Awards on May 15, after they apprehended two burglars who attacked them with a crowbar.

In the early hours of July 31, 2022, two officers were heading home after a late shift when they responded to an alarm at the Sainsbury’s in Rochford.

They chased a man who was fleeing the store with bags of money taken from charity containers, ultimately catching him along with a woman who also assaulted the officers during the arrest.

PC Hilbery said: “As we were driving past the train station, we noticed that the door to the Sainsbury’s was open and we were like, ‘That’s not right. That’s meant to be shut’.

“As we were looking around, we saw someone come out of the store who was dressed all in black, balaclava on, with a bag.”

The suspect gestured to the officers with a crowbar and attempted to flee before he was detained.

A woman assailant then intervened, violently grabbing PC Hilbery by the throat.

The woman then picked up a crowbar and threatened them before fleeing as PC Hilbery signalled to a passing police vehicle.

Both individuals were later arrested and found guilty of burglary and carrying an offensive weapon.

Sgt Farr said: “Every officer would do the same because it’s our job.

“I feel like an imposter really, because I think anyone would do the same. If you see someone committing an offence, that’s what we’re there to do.”

Both officers went back on shift later that afternoon, following the attack.

Essex Police Federation Chair Laura Heggie said: “Alex and Sam didn’t hesitate to intervene when they saw a burglary taking place, even though they were carrying no PPE.

“They showed great courage and tenacity in apprehending these two criminals and getting them off the streets.”

Essex Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said the pair were awarded for “exceptional bravery, quick thinking and unwavering commitment to public safety.”

Picture: PC Sam Hilbery and Sgt Alex Farr awarded.

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