Heroes of the Flood: West Mercia Cops Nominated for Bravery Award
Three West Mercia Police officers have been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards 2024 after a daring rescue in Worcestershire. Their quick thinking saved a woman trapped in her sinking Mini during severe flooding.
Trapped in a Sinking Car
In April 2023, a woman became stranded when her car submerged in a flooded ford between Pershore and Drakes Broughton. Officers PS Shannon Murphy, PS Lee Baker, PC Thomas Simmonds, and three others responded instantly to a frantic 999 call.
Facing a perilous scene, they found the Mini nearly fully underwater and drifting 10 metres downstream thanks to flash floods. Without hesitation, the officers formed a human chain and waded into the dangerous waters to reach the trapped driver.
Risking It All to Save a Life
Despite the car’s electrics being disabled by water, the team smashed the driver’s side window and pulled the woman to safety just moments before the vehicle sank completely. The West Midlands Ambulance Service assessed her at the scene, and miraculously, she needed no further treatment.
Tributes to Bravery and Teamwork
Steve Butler, Chair of the West Mercia Police Federation, praised the officers’ “impeccable teamwork and unwavering bravery.”
“The way they waded into such dangerous water to help the woman and each other showed remarkable commitment,” he said.
Temporary Chief Constable Alex Murray added he was “immensely proud” of the team’s swift, instinctive actions which prevented a tragedy.
The nomination of PS Murphy, PS Baker, and PC Simmonds highlights their selfless dedication and the highest standards of police bravery in protecting their community.
