South Wales Officer Scoops Regional Bravery ... - Police Federation

Region 7 Winner: South Wales Officer Scoops Regional
Bravery Award
18.10.12.
South Wales Officer Scoops Regional Bravery Award
Off-Duty Officer Intercepts Armed Robbery
A heroic officer from South Wales has tonight received the Welsh regional
award for his bravery at the 17th Annual Police Bravery Awards in London,
organised by the Police Federation of England and Wales, in partnership with
Police Mutual.
The award was received at a glittering ceremony at Plaisterers’ Hall which
followed a reception at 10 Downing Street.
Whilst off-duty and driving past a shop in Swansea, DC Andrew O’Flanagan
noticed two men acting very suspiciously. The men were armed with large
knives and had attacked the shop assistant and demanded money from the
till. Once they were satisfied that they had all the cash they took off running
from the shop towards their getaway car.
DC O’Flanagan immediately chased the culprits causing one of them to trip
and fall. The armed suspect struggled and lashed out violently at the officer
but the officer used all his strength to knock him to the ground. During the
attack, DC O’Flanagan dislocated his finger.
Despite being injured, the officer restrained the culprit but struggled to match
the man’s strength who was now also calling out to his accomplice for some
assistance. The officer knew he was at great risk of being seriously injured as
both men were armed with knives and desperate to break free.
However, despite these difficult circumstances and the fear that he could have
been stabbed by either culprit, the officer continued to restrain the culprit until
uniformed colleagues arrived at the scene.
The heroic efforts of DC O’Flanagan led to the arrest at the scene of one
male. Two further males were arrested including the getaway driver. There is
no doubt that the intervention of this brave detective led to their arrests. His
actions are highly commendable.

Paul McKeever, Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales
says:
“DC O’Flanagan’s brave actions epitomise the unique role of being a police
officer, in respect of never being off-duty. His instincts took over and without
his fearless intervention; the offenders may never have been apprehended.”
DC Andy O’Flanagan, from South Wales, said: “There were many brave
officers being celebrated for their actions and that officers throughout the
country risked their lives every day.”
He added, “he was proud to receive the award but that families of officers are
the real heroes.”
Stephen Mann, Police Mutual’s Chief Executive said:
“I’m honoured and proud to be able to support such an important event that
recognises the outstanding bravery of Police Officers who put themselves in
danger every day, in order to save and protect the lives of others. While this
may just be part of their job to them, the modesty and fearless action of these
men and women are extremely humbling and I hope that being nominated
goes some small way in showing our gratitude and appreciation of what they
do. All of tonight’s nominees should be extremely proud of their remarkable
courage and outstanding actions.”