Stabbed Sgt – who still apprehended his attacker – wins Essex Police Federation Bravery Award

AN ESSEX Police officer who was stabbed 11 times at his front door during a frenzied and targeted attack – but still managed to apprehend the perpetrator – has won an Essex Police Federation Bravery Award.

The officer, a Sgt who cannot be named for operational reasons, has been described as a hero for not only protecting his family during the horrific incident but also ensuring that the crazed attacker could not escape and hurt anyone else.

He suffered horrendous injuries during the incident in April 2019 that he was left with an exposed bowel and deep injuries to his arm, armpit, shoulder, chest, abdomen and stomach.

Despite this the officer has returned to work and continues his career.

Before the attack, the perpetrator had launched a harassing social media campaign against the officer and had become obsessed with him despite barely knowing him.

Then the man knocked on the officer’s door on April 24^th2019, at around 9pm. He launched into the terrifying attack as the officer – who was off duty – came to see who it was.

Incredibly despite terrible injuries from the stabbing and slashing, the officer managed to fight back, tackling McCartney to the ground before he jumped on his back to restrain him.

The officer’s wife and neighbours tended to the injuries he had sustained and helped to detain McCartney before police colleagues arrived.

The officer was rushed to hospital for life-saving surgery and is recovering from the physical and mental trauma caused by the horrific attack.

Essex Police Federation Chair Laura Heggie said the officer had shown incredible courage to stave off the attack, protect his family and apprehend the offender.

“It was a terrifying and horrific attack, and very simply, our colleague who was targeted for being a police officer, is fortunate to be alive,” said Laura. “All people – including police officers of course – expect to be safe at their homes so to be set upon like this is frightening in the extreme.

“He had no uniform, no protective equipment, no immediate back up and yet he still managed to stop this terrible individual before he could hurt other people. He is a hero.”

Laura added: “What an incredibly brave and courageous man, we’re very proud of him and to be able to call him a colleague.”

Laura added: “We will never know what the suspect would have done but our colleague’s courageous actions prevented any further threat or harm. In addition, this man is now safely detained having pled to a charge of attempted murder.

“Our colleague demonstrated conspicuous courage in arresting an offender and preventing harm. He exemplifies the oath of the Office of Constable and all the duties and obligations that come with it. The officer knew the risk and the danger of tackling an armed assailant and chose to do his duty.

“In every way he is a diligent and exemplary officer and a role model to the public and colleagues alike.”

The attacker, John McCartney from Rayleigh, Essex, admitted charges of attempted murder and possessing an offensive weapon after slashing the officer 11 times. In March, he was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order under the Mental Health Act at Basildon Crown Court.

Essex Police Chief Constable BJ Harrington said he was proud to call the officer a colleague and of how he ensured that no one else could be hurt that night.

“Despite being the victim of a frenzied attack, despite suffering horrific and life-changing injuries, he continued to put the safety of his family and his neighbours first,” he said.

“He is a credit to Essex Police both as an officer and a human being; he is a credit to his community and a credit to his family.”

The officer will attend the Essex Police Federation Bravery Awards – which will combine celebrating 2020 and 2021 winners – in Essex in September. Overall winners for both years will be announced and they will go on to compete in The National Police Bravery Awards.

The Essex Police Federation Bravery Awards are sponsored by Uniform Mortgages.