A POLICE officer from Newton-le-Willows has been awarded for her bravery after she fought an armed scrambler rider.

The ‘Community First Awards’, which took place at the Crowne Plaza in Liverpool yesterday, Tuesday, November 12, aim to recognise police officers, staff, volunteers, and community partners for their dedication, bravery and professionalism.

The ceremony, now in its seventh year, saw members of the force awarded for a range of achievements.

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.

One of the main winners of the night for bravery was Constable Erin Lee who in January 2024 while working in the County Lines TaskForce was on plainclothes patrol in Newton-le-Willows.

Erin sighted a group of males taking turns on a scrambler bike and driving in a dangerous manner around a local park. In order to bring their anti-social behaviour to an end, she communicated with other colleagues in the area. The officers positioned themselves around the park to help detain the males safely. Erin attempted to stop one of the males who started to walk along a nearby alleyway. He made off when he realised she was a police officer.

Despite the significant difference in their stature, Erin chased the male whilst communicating with her colleagues. During the chase, he threatened her and made multiple pleas to his associates on the scrambler bike. The male realised Erin was isolated and outnumbered. As he failed to outrun her, he brandished a handgun and declared his willingness to cause harm if she did not cease her pursuit.

She maintained her position and took decisive action. A physical struggle ensued. The male’s size and strength helped him to get Erin in a headlock whilst still holding the firearm.

Erin’s determination and tactical expertise enabled her to release herself and knock the handgun from his grasp. She held on to the male and recovered the weapon. As Erin’s colleagues arrived to assist, she continued to fight until the male was 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.”

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “It goes without saying that I am immensely proud of the work that goes on day-in-day-out across the force to protect and serve the people of Merseyside. None of that would be possible without the professionalism and dedication of every single person who works here.

“It is fantastic that officers, staff, volunteers, partners, sponsors and members of the public are able to come together to recognise and acknowledge those who go the extra mile to really make a difference through their exceptional work and it is right they should be publicly applauded.

“These past few months have been a very difficult and challenging time for Merseyside Police and I am grateful to all officers and staff who have never wavered in their continuing commitment, passion and professionalism.

“The Community First Awards are a true reflection of our ethos and standards here at Merseyside Police and shows that we are a force which truly puts our communities at the heart of everything we do.

“Every single person and team nominated for an award should feel hugely proud of what they have achieved. Listening to the testimonies was exceptionally humbling and it was a pleasure to be able to personally present the winners with their well-deserved awards.

“This awards night would not have been possible without the generosity of all our sponsors and a special thanks goes to A&B Engineering, Liverpool John Moores University, Softcat, LFC, Everton Stadium, Robert James Solicitors, Motorola Solutions, LA Productions, NicheRMS365, Unison, Serve and Protect Credit Union, Willmot Dixon, NEC, Laser Tech UK and SelectaDNA.

“Finally, I would again like to thank and congratulate the winners and nominees. I am incredibly proud to work with such inspirational individuals and I am extremely pleased that last night their achievements were recognised.”

Other winners on the night were: • 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 • Healthy People Award – Wellbeing: E Block Zone 1 Sergeants; Alan Neary • 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