Commendation for officer temporarily blinded in assault

AN Essex Police Sergeant who was temporarily blinded as she detained an aggressive man has been commended by her force for her “outstanding contribution” to public protection.

Sgt Kayleigh Webster received a commendation after she detained an aggressive man despite being unable to see clearly after she was assaulted by him.

Sgt Webster and her colleague PC Nick Bush were called to Southend Hospital in September 2015 to a man who was being aggressive to staff and patients.

She attempted to detain the man but he punched her in the face, leaving her unable to see for a few minutes.

However, she chased the man down and detained him to prevent him from seriously harming members of the public and hospital staff.

PCs Dave Mayo and Bill Samphire were praised after they prevented a man who had doused himself with fuel at a petrol station in Clacton from igniting himself.

DS Danny Walker and DC Christopher Sedgwick also received commendations for their dedication in investigating historical sexual abuse. The officers carried out complex and sensitive investigations that led to two individuals being found guilty for unrelated offences and jailed for 14-and-a-half years each.

And DC Lee Winfield received a commendation for his determination when investigating an aggravated burglary in Harwich.

Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh, awarding the officers with their commendations earlier this month, said: “We see today officers doing some truly remarkable things and risking their own lives to keep the public safe.

“Each individual today has been humble and played down their role in each incident as them just doing their jobs.

“These officers have shown bravery and professionalism in dealing with frightening and difficult incidents. I’m honoured to have such extraordinary officers serving the people of Essex and wish for them to be recognised for the risks they take daily in keeping the county safe.”