Meet the two Merseyside Police officers nominated for The National Bravery Awards

Two Merseyside police officers who risked their lives to save a suicidal woman have been nominated for The National Police Bravery Awards.

PCs Liz Cargill and Mark Wilson, from Speke Division, were responding to reports of youths causing a disturbance at The Convent, a dilapidated old building in Liverpool, on 4th May, 2019.

On arrival, the officers could see two young women and a man on the roof of the four-storey high building. One of the women was sat right on the edge of the roof, her feet dangling over the side.

Recognising the severity of the situation, the officers knew they would have to get to the roof to help her, despite the fact that the building had been damaged by a recent fire. To reach the woman, the officers had to traverse two-foot-wide beams and roof joints, with a dangerous drop either side of them.

Once they reached the woman, they talked to her, building a rapport with her before trying to lead her to safety. However, the woman started to struggle, putting everyone’s lives at risk. As a result, a decision was made to call in Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. With their help, the officers managed to get the woman under control and get her safely down from the damaged roof.

She was subsequently detained under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act.

Merseyside Police Federation Chairman Tony Fairclough said the officers went “above and beyond”to get the woman to safety.

Mr Fairclough said: “Despite the hazardous and dangerous conditions in which Liz and Mark were operating, and the sadly hysterical nature of the woman, the officers managed to remain calm and professional throughout.

“What an incredibly brave thing to do – the duo had a lot to contend with to save this lady’s life and safeguard this vulnerable woman in what was obviously a significant time of crisis in her life. Liz and Mark also had to protect themselves from the obvious danger which they managed to do with policing brilliance.

“It once again shows how police officers do much more than fight crime. We are extremely proud of them.”

The National Police Bravery Awards honour officers from across England and Wales who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty. Sponsored by Police Mutual, nominees are invited to attend a prestigious daytime reception and evening awards ceremony in London, in July 2021.

The 25th National Police Bravery Awards had been scheduled to take place this past summer but had to be cancelled due to the impact of coronavirus. Nevertheless the Police Federation of England and Wales wanted to take the opportunity to highlight the fantastic work of all 94 nominees from across the country online.

John Apter, National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “We are incredibly proud of all the nominees from across England and Wales. The actions of these courageous officers provide a small snapshot of the amazing work our colleagues carry out day in and day out.

“PC Liz Cargill and PC Mark Wilson showed incredible bravery in this incident. Police officers don’t just fight crime, they save lives and protect people – and that’s just what these fantastic officers did. They are a credit to policing and we are very proud of them.“

The National Police Bravery Awards are sponsored by Police Mutual.

John Perks, Chief Executive Officer of Police Mutual, said: “Police Mutual is, as always, proud to be supporting the National Police Bravery Awards in its 25th anniversary year. Despite having to postpone the original ceremony, the officers’ courage has never been forgotten – they all showed commitment to keeping the public safe in the most demanding of circumstances.

“We very much look forward to meeting all the nominated officers in July 2021 for the ceremony, and our chance to give our thanks in person.”