POLICE officers who detained an axe-wielding man “who wanted to kill his wife and children” have been celebrated for their bravery on the frontline.
PC Lisa Vaughan-Jones, PC Emma McIntyre-Major, PC John Parkin, Sgt Paul Brady, and Sgt Paul Downes were called to a house in Braintree.
The force had received reports of a man who was making threats against his family and upon arrival officers found the situation had greatly escalated.
PC Vaughan-Jones said: “I was acting Sgt that day and the call came in to say a man was armed with an axe and wanted to kill his wife and children.
“Our concern was getting the children out of the house, and we were just desperately trying to get the axe off him.
“It was clear that he was in a heightened manic state and didn’t trust any of us to help him.”
The man’s wife and one of their children were located outside the property, but the man was hanging out of an upstairs window brandishing an axe and making threats.
Three children remained in the house, so PC Vaughan-Jones tried to negotiate with the man, while PC McIntyre-Major and PC Parkin climbed into the back garden.
Shockingly, the man then appeared at the back door holding a knife to his young son, and then his own throat, much to the officers’ horror.
“When he brought the son down in his arms and held the knife against his throat, that’s when your heart sinks,” said PC Parkin, who had just completed his training.
PC McIntyre-Major added: ““You forget about your own safety at that moment and your priority becomes the children and making sure they get out safely.”
With the pressure of the situation intensifying, Sgt Brady and Sgt Downes decided to bravely force entry to the house before tasering the man.
In the face of danger, the officers’ bravery and calmness kept those young children safe. This was fantastic work - policing at its best
As a result, four officers were able to race upstairs to find the children – all of which escaped unharmed - before leading them out of the house and to safety.
The heroic efforts of PC Vaughan-Jones, PC McIntyre-Major, PC Parkin, Sgt Brady, and Sgt Downes have now been praised and recognised.
They have also received commendations from Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington who highlighted the teams quick thinking and calmness.
He said: “This was an extraordinary situation and the skills, teamwork and compassion the team displayed were absolutely phenomenal.
“It is a pleasure to recognise the officers for their heroic work and say thank you.
“In the face of danger, the officers’ bravery and calmness kept those young children safe. This was fantastic work - policing at its best.”
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Humbly playing down his honour, Sgt Downes said he and the team were simply doing what is expected of them.
"It's nice to be recognised but I was surprised because it was really business as usual,” he added.
“It is our job to help people and keep them safe."
If you would like to consider a career in the police force visit essex.police.uk/fitthebill.
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