Brave Cops Battle Rave Riot to Save Teen Lives
In February 2020, PCs Ben Shaylor, Ali Khan, and James Whittaker faced a ferocious crowd while responding to an illegal rave in a grimy warehouse off the North Circular Road. What started as a routine call turned into a violent nightmare with up to 3,000 revellers packed inside and outside the venue.
Massive Crowd Turns Hostile
PC Shaylor described the chaos: “We had a rough idea of numbers, but when we turned up it was a whole different ballgame. There were 1,000 to 1,500 people inside the warehouse and another 1,000 out on the street, all trying to get through one gate.”
Stationed at the entrance, the officers tried to stop more from entering, but the crowd charged at them. “We weren’t in any sort of protective kit, just our uniform. They were fighting us off, throwing metal gas canisters, bricks, and masonry.”
Risking It All to Rescue Injured Teens
Amid the madness, a young girl had slipped on a wet metal fire escape two stories up. “She was just 15 with a badly dislocated knee and in agony,” said Shaylor. The three officers climbed into the hostile crowd to help her.
“We positioned our bodies so the missiles hit us on the back, shielding her from harm. We splinted her leg, carried her down, and got her to an ambulance.”
Without pause, they then saved an unconscious teenage boy suffering a suspected drug overdose by giving life-saving first aid. Both teens made full recoveries.
Heroes Nominated for National Honour
Though battered and bruised, the officers escaped serious injury. PC Shaylor said, “We don’t seek recognition, but it’s humbling. We were just doing our job and thankfully it ended well for those two youngsters.”
Metropolitan Police Federation Chairman Ken Marsh praised their courage: “These officers put their safety last, acting as human shields in a volatile crowd. The outcome could have been much worse. They are very worthy nominees.”
