Basildon Police Doused in Petrol During Shocking Mob Attack
Seven officers, including PC Andrew Bird and Chief Inspector Jonathan Baldwin, faced a terrifying mob attack in Basildon while trying to arrest a notorious criminal in May 2019. What started as a routine chase after reports of a stolen motorbike quickly spiralled into chaos.
Mob Turns Violent as Officers Make Arrest
The officers followed the suspect to the Somercotes estate, where a hostile crowd of over 30 people blocked their way. As they arrested the man, his mother lunged at them wielding a hammer. She was disarmed and detained, but then another thug tackled an officer to the ground. That’s when Justin Jackson emerged from the crowd, dousing officers with petrol from a large watering can.
- Two officers swallowed petrol and needed hospital treatment.
- Two had to have their eyes rinsed.
- Others suffered burns despite being hosed down.
Jackson later received a hefty jail term of three years and nine months for the brutal attack.
Heroes in the Fire: Officers and Community Step Up
PC Zhak Burrows recalls the nightmare vividly: “I had petrol in my eyes and over my face. I was immediately blinded. At first, I thought it was acid. The crowd were shouting ‘Light them up!’ I could hear screams and officers yelling ‘Petrol’ and ‘No Taser!’ If there had been a spark, we would have faced life-changing injuries.”
PC Matthew Cutts struck the petrol-wielding attacker with his baton, likely saving lives in the process.
Remarkably, local residents rushed in with buckets of water and offered showers to help the officers recover.
Solidarity and Support After the Attack
Chief Inspector Jonathan Baldwin praised the incredible team spirit: “Looking back, the camaraderie was incredible. People were proud to stand by each other. The Trauma Risk Management process was immediate and effective—everyone processed it differently but supported each other.”
He also highlighted the local community’s massive support. “Not one of those officers missed a day’s work as a result.”
Recognition for Bravery in the Line of Duty
After presenting commendations to the officers involved, Mr Harrington said: “This was a shocking and cowardly attack on officers simply doing their jobs. Their courage and professionalism in such a volatile situation was extraordinary. The prison sentence handed down shows the seriousness of this crime. These officers fully deserve this recognition for their outstanding bravery.”
