Our Bravery Nominees Attend Downing Street Reception

TWO Essex Police officers who confronted a burglar who threatened them both with a gun have been to a reception at Downing Street as part of The National Police Bravery Awards.

In December 2016, PC Avive Martin and PC Nick Hayter were nominated after an incident at a domestic burglary in progress in Wivenhoe.

PC Nick Hayter said: “We’re here today for the Bravery Awards, we were nominated from our force after attending a burglary where we found the suspect in the premises and were threatened by a gun.”

PC Avive Martin added: “I’m really excited about the awards today it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that we’re never going to get to do again, so really excited.”

After attending the burglary, PC Hayter went to the back of the property and spotted a smashed window and what looked like forced entry.

PC Martin, who at the time was a trainee officer only four days into her new job, went to the front of the house where she confronted the burglary – literally bumping into him as he was attempting to flee.

All of a sudden, the suspect pointed the gun directly at PC Martin’s face and shouted ‘get back, I have a gun’ while stepping through the door.

PC Martin activated her emergency button and was joined at the front of the address by PC Hayter. The suspect pointed the gun alternatively at both officers shouting at them to get back and get on the floor.

Both officers remained standing and PC Hayter took over talking to the suspect, telling him to put the gun away and leave. PC Hayter stepped in front of PC Martin, putting himself between the gunman and the rookie officer.

The suspect then made off from the scene on foot. Both PC Martin and PC Hayter immediately gave chase, passing clear updates to the control room, but lost sight of the male a short distance away.

However he was caught in the end. This June at Chelmsford Crown Court, James Preston entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit burglaries (26 in total) and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to resist arrest.

Steve Taylor, Chairman of Essex Police Federation, said: “This incident demonstrates the bravery of Nick and Avive in standing their ground in the face of an armed threat. Remaining professional throughout with the sense of mind to maintain excellent communication before heading into danger by pursuing the suspect.

“They should both be commended for her dedication, professionalism, bravery and perseverance during a potentially life threatening incident. And we must also commend the selfless act demonstrated by Nick in protecting his colleague.

“It is with great pride that Essex nominates our colleagues as exemplary examples of unarmed British Police officers, once again running towards the danger. British Policing at its best.”