Three brave Londoners have been honored at the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s annual Police Public Bravery Awards for their outstanding acts of bravery in assisting Metropolitan Police officers. The awards ceremony recognizes individuals who have selflessly put themselves in dangerous situations to protect others and assist the police. Raja Qadri and Shereia Hoque were both awarded gold medals, while former PCSO Lee Jeffery received a certificate of recognition.
Raja Qadri, a London resident, received the Binney Medal, an exceptional honor named after Sir Ralph Binney, a retired naval captain who lost his life while trying to prevent an armed robbery. Qadri was commended for his courage and selflessness after intervening to protect a police officer from a violent crowd outside the O2 arena. The crowd had turned hostile, smashing a police car and attacking the officer who was attempting to make an arrest. Qadri acted as a human shield, safeguarding the officer from further harm. The assailant responsible for assaulting the officer was subsequently found guilty of multiple charges.
Shereia Hoque, another London resident, was recognized for her bravery after witnessing a severe collision while driving to work. Hoque bravely stopped the driver from fleeing the scene by standing in front of his car. She quickly contacted emergency services and provided vital photo evidence of the incident, aiding the subsequent police investigation. The driver, who pleaded guilty to dangerous driving offenses, was banned from driving for two decades.
Former PCSO Lee Jeffery demonstrated immense bravery while patrolling St. George’s Gardens in Westminster. During a foot chase with a suspect, Jeffery was violently knocked to the ground but managed to detain the individual, despite being in significant pain. With the help of his colleague, they discovered a concealed machete and stolen mobile phones. The offender was later convicted and sentenced to community service.
During the awards ceremony, attended by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Alexis Boon on behalf of the Metropolitan Police, the bravery and selflessness of the London awardees were celebrated. Boon expressed his admiration for their actions and extended his gratitude on behalf of the police force.
The Police Public Bravery Awards also acknowledged numerous other individuals who displayed exceptional courage and heroism. The event recognized a total of 14 gold medal recipients, 61 silver medal recipients, and 17 certificate winners. These individuals exemplify the remarkable contributions that members of the public can make in supporting the police and safeguarding their communities.
The awards ceremony serves as a testament to the dedication of ordinary citizens who, in extraordinary circumstances, step forward to protect and assist others. The recognition bestowed upon Raja Qadri, Shereia Hoque, and Lee Jeffery highlights the immense gratitude for their brave actions. Their selflessness serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the importance of working together to create safer communities for all.
