Police officer put in headlock by scrambler bike thug who pulls gun on her

A police officer was put in a headlock and had a gun pulled out on her. Constable Erin Lee was given the bravery award at the Merseyside Police’s annual ‘Community First Awards’ on Tuesday, November 12.

The awards recognise police officers, staff, volunteers, and community partners for their dedication, bravery and professionalism, Merseyside Police said. Erin was on plainclothes patrol in Newton-le-Willows in January this year when she spotted a gang taking turns on a scrambler bike and driving in a dangerous manner around a local park.

She called in back up and officers positioned themselves around the park to help detain the men safely. Erin attempted to stop one of the thugs who started to walk along a nearby alleyway and he made off when he realised she was a police officer.

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Despite the significant difference in their stature, Erin chased the man while communicating with other officers. During the chase, he threatened her and made multiple pleas to the other gang members on the scrambler bike.

He then realised Erin was isolated and outnumbered. As he failed to outrun her, he brandished a handgun and said he would be willing to cause harm if she did not stop chasing him.

Erin maintained her position and took decisive action and a physical struggle ensued. The man's size and strength helped him to get Erin in a headlock while still holding the firearm. However, Erin’s determination and tactical expertise enabled her to release herself and knock the handgun from his grasp.

She held on to the man and recovered the weapon. As Erin’s colleagues arrived to assist, she continued to fight until he was able to be subdued. Constable Lee said: “I was part of the County Lines Task Force when I pursued a rider of a scrambler bike that we believed was stolen. The driver ran away across fields then pulled out a loaded handgun on me. I detained him and recovered the gun.

“He was convicted this week and received a significant jail sentence. I’m really proud to receive an award, for myself and for my team. It’s fantastic to feel as though you’ve made a difference and contributed to someone’s life or tried to help in some way.”

Nominations came in from across the force and a judging panel shortlisted nominations for the awards, with Chief Constable Serena Kennedy and Police and Crime Commissioner Emily Spurrell each choosing a winner for their own personal choice awards.

The Chief Constable presented the awards at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool on Tuesday and described the evening as “a fantastic event to prove to our officers and staff how valued they are.” Among the winners on the night were:

• Bravery – Constable Erin Lee

• Leadership & Me – Team of the Year: FIT Team

• Investigate Crime and Bring Offenders to Justice Award: Constable 4347 Dave O’Callaghan

• Chief Constable’s Award: Laurence Hancock and PD Quga

• Police officer of the Year : Lisa Farley

• Leadership & Me Police staff employee: Laurence Major

• Volunteer of the Year: Adam Lester

• Support Victims and Vulnerable People Award: PCSO Sue Fowles

• Community Engagement Award: News and Communications

• Tackling Organised Crime Award – Covert Syndicates 1&2

• Community First Partnership Award: Operation Blackbird

• Prevention – Inspector Brian Loughran and Nadine Andrews

• Leadership & Me – Police Special Officer of the Year: Claire Price

• Specialist Capabilities Award: Force Operations

• Healthy Organisation Award – Innovation & Efficiency – Resources People Engagement Team

• Healthy People Award – Diversity and Inclusion: Apologise Now Campaign Team

• The Police & Crime Commissioner’s Award: Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP)

• PCC Special Recognition: Norma Kielty-Crummey