Brave Cops Battle Hostile Rave Crowd to Save Teens’ Lives
In February 2020, three brave PCs faced a nightmare night on the North Circular Road. Called to break up an illegal rave in an industrial warehouse, PC Ben Shaylor, PC Ali Khan, and PC James Whittaker walked straight into chaos.
Rave Packed With 2,500 Partygoers Turns Violent
“We expected a handful of revellers,” said PC Shaylor. “But when we arrived, there were 1,000 to 1,500 inside and another 1,000 outside packed around one gate.”
The officers tried to hold the gate, but the crowd surged at them. “They were charging, throwing bricks and metal canisters. We had no protective gear, just our uniforms,” PC Shaylor recalled.
Heroic Rescue Amid Flying Missiles
Inside, a 15-year-old girl had slipped two stories down a wet metal fire escape, badly dislocating her knee. PC Shaylor, Khan, and Whittaker risked their lives heading into hostile territory to help her.
“We started treating her, trying to splint her leg. Then the crowd began pelting us with missiles,” PC Shaylor said. “We shielded her as best we could, taking hits to our backs and heads.”
The officers lifted the injured girl down through the hostile crowd and helped her into an ambulance before running back inside.
Saving a Life Twice Over
The trio didn’t stop there. They then rescued a teenage boy suffering an unconscious drug overdose. After inserting an airway and performing life-saving first aid, both youngsters made full recoveries.
Though battered and bruised, the officers escaped serious injury. PC Shaylor said, “We don’t do it for recognition. We were just doing our job. But it’s humbling to be nominated for the national award.”
Metropolitan Police Federation Chairman Ken Marsh praised the heroes:
“They put their own safety aside, gave emergency first aid, and acted as human shields in a volatile and dangerous crowd. The outcome could have been much worse. They are very worthy nominees.”
