Essex heroes recognised at the Police Public Bravery Awards

A woman who attempted to save the life of her injured neighbour and a man who chased down a motorist who’d almost run over an officer were among nine Essex heroes recognised at the national Police Public Bravery Awards.

The awards honour selfless members of the public who have placed themselves in dangerous situations, protected others, defended communities, prevented crime or actively assisted police.

Tanja Munro and Anthony Cremer were presented prestigious gold medals for their heroic actions. Silver awards were presented to Mark Ward, Emma Halford, Tony McNamara, Lee Butler, Sazid Hassan Shaheen, and brother and sister Scarlett and Alfie Davey.

Sazid, Scarlett and Alfie were only 11, 12 and 10 years old respectively when the incidents that led to their life-saving actions took place.

Tanja Munro bravely entered her neighbour’s home in Colchester after hearing cries for help and found a man, Ertan Ersoy, with stab wounds and his wife, Dr Antonella Castelvedere, critically injured. Tanja administered first aid and attempted CPR on Dr Castelvedere, but she tragically died at the scene. Tanja’s evidence later helped convict Ertan Ersoy, who received a life sentence for murder.

When a man drove away from a crash in Southend and almost reversed over an officer as he went, Anthony Creamer, then 61, followed the vehicle until it was stuck in traffic and then stood in front of it to block its escape. His selfless actions allowed officers to catch up with and detain the driver.

Emma Halford intervened when on her way to work she saw a distressed woman being harassed by a man. She pretended to be the woman’s friend to lead her away. Despite being pushed, Emma repeatedly blocked the man and ensured the woman escaped safely into a hospital building. Her selfless actions safeguarded the victim and helped lead to the man’s arrest and conviction.

Mark Ward jumped into the sea in West Mersea to rescue a sailor who had gone overboard after his dinghy capsized. Mark reached the sailor just before he lost consciousness and pulled him to safety, despite the freezing conditions and strong tides. Thanks to Mark’s bravery and decisiveness, the sailor made a full recovery.

Scarlett and Alfie Davey acted quickly when their mum suffered a mini stroke on the M25, calling both an ambulance and police for help. Scarlett flagged down a passing police officer, enabling emergency services to reach them faster. Their calm and courageous actions ensured their mum received urgent care and that aided her recovery.

When a house fire took hold in a house in Basildon, Tony McNamara forced open the front door, enabling four children and their father to escape unharmed. When the father re-entered, Tony’s friend Lee Butler broke open a locked rear gate to get him out safely. Their quick and selfless actions prevented fatalities in the escalating fire.

Sazid Hassan Shaheen, 11, rescued a six-year-old autistic boy who was face down and struggling in the water at Southend-on-Sea. He bravely pulled the child to shore before he was taken to hospital for treatment. Sazid’s quick thinking and courage unquestionably help save the boy’s life.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington, who attended the awards alongside Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Roger Hirst, said:

He said: “The bravery of the award winners was extraordinary, and they all thoroughly deserve this recognition. It was a privilege hear to their incredible stories again.

“In extreme situations, they stepped up and helped when many other people would have been reluctant to. As police officers, we are trained to run towards danger, but our award winners did so voluntarily, putting themselves in danger to save lives.

“Their courage and calmness were outstanding, especially the children, who showed maturity way beyond their years. I hope in the future they consider careers in policing as they have exactly the qualities required.

“Tanja, Anthony, Mark, Emma, Tony, Lee, Sazid, Scarlett, Alfie, and their families and friends should all be incredibly proud of their achievements. They are a truly exceptional group of people.”

The awards were hosted by the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police, Lauren Poultney, who added:

“Their actions exemplify why we host these awards every year. Members of the public supporting police and strangers in need, rather than walking away, display remarkable selflessness.

“They choose to help without the training, safety equipment and support our police officers have access to when protecting the public from harm.

“This courage needs to be recognised and it is my honour to do so through the Police Public Bravery Awards.”

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