Somerset officer wins award after being punched during arrest

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 16:32 · Archive

PC Emma Richards was punched in the face while responding to a mental health crisis call but continued to pursue and detain the man.

PC Emma Richards of Avon and Somerset Police has won the Bravery Award at the Avon and Somerset Police Federation Recognition Awards following an incident on 4 January. She was sent alone to respond to a call about a man experiencing a mental health crisis who was shouting threats at passing traffic and members of the public.

Richards approached the man by the side of a busy road. A family friend accompanying the individual told her his name and explained he had lost his medication. Richards said she suggested taking him to hospital to get his medication sorted, but wanted first to establish who he was to assess the risk.

As she attempted to speak to the man, he punched her to the side of the mouth without warning. The impact caused her to lose her balance and step into the road. She said the force knocked her earpiece out and she called for more units. Richards suffered a split and bleeding lip and was later found to have loosened teeth and concussion. She continued to pursue and successfully detain the man.

Somerset officer wins award after being punched during arrest — Image: Somerset County Gazette

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How it is being reported

Avon and Somerset police officer punched in face by man while arresting himPC Emma Richards has been recognised for her bravery after pursuing and arresting the man, despite suffering concussion and dental injuries.Somerset County Gazette · 13 Oct, 16:00
Avon and Somerset police officer punched in face by man while arresting himPC Emma Richards has been recognised for her bravery after pursuing and arresting the man, despite suffering concussion and dental injuries.Bridgwater Mercury · 13 Oct, 16:00

In this story: PC Emma Richards · Avon and Somerset Police · Somerset

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