Basildon officers doused with petrol in savage mob attack
Seven police officers, including a Chief Inspector, faced a terrifying petrol attack while arresting a prolific offender in Basildon back in May 2019. The shocking assault saw officers trapped by a hostile crowd, with petrol poured over them amid cheers to ‘light them up’. The attackers’ aggression left officers blinded, burned, and hospitalised—yet their courage never wavered.
Policing turns violent on Somercotes estate
PC Andrew Bird, PC Zhak Burrows, PC Matthew Cutts, PC Stephen Gunshon, PC Megan Rees, PC Mark Thomas, and Chief Inspector Jonathan Baldwin were pursuing a man spotted riding a stolen motorbike. Following reports on Canvey Island, the chase ended on Basildon’s Somercotes estate where over 30 angry locals confronted them.
During the arrest, the suspect’s mother charged at officers wielding a hammer. She was swiftly disarmed. But then a man tackled an officer to the ground before Justin Jackson emerged from the crowd with a watering can full of petrol.
Horrific petrol attack hospitalises officers
Jackson poured petrol over the group. Two officers swallowed the liquid and needed hospital treatment, while two others had to rinse their eyes instantly. The rest suffered burns despite quick action to hose them down.
“I had petrol in my eyes and over my face and I was immediately blinded. To start with, I thought it was acid,” said PC Zhak Burrows. “The crowd were cheering and shouting, ‘Light them up.’ One spark and we would all have had life-changing injuries. I can’t describe the fear.”
PC Matt Cutts’ quick thinking saved lives when he struck Jackson’s hand with a baton, stopping the ignition. Local residents rushed to help, dousing officers with buckets of water and offering showers.
Courage, camaraderie and community support
Chief Inspector Baldwin praised the immediate and ongoing support his team received. “What strikes me is the camaraderie. People were proud to have been there for each other.”
The Trauma Risk Management process helped officers process the ordeal. Remarkably, none missed work afterward.
Justice served and bravery honoured
Justin Jackson was jailed for three years and nine months for the attack.
Mr Harrington, presenting commendations to the team, said: “This was a shocking and cowardly attack on officers simply doing their jobs. Their extraordinary courage and professionalism in such a volatile situation were outstanding.”
He added, “The prison sentence given reflects the seriousness of the crime. These officers thoroughly deserve this recognition for their bravery.”
