A POLICEMAN who tackled a pair of would-be robbers when off duty has been nominated for a National Police Bravery Award.

PC Aaron Jackson single handedly took down a pair of attempted muggers  on Liverpool Road on his way home from work at Northwich Police Station in April 2023.

The muggers were chasing their victim, described as a well-dressed man, on bikes, and one was armed with metal crowbar during the incident at 10.30pm.

The victim called for help when PC Jackson pulled up, so the brave cop got out of his car and managed to restrain the pair, using one of their bikes to pin both of them to the ground. 

Being off duty, he had no radio or personal protective equipment, so called 999 for backup after being threatened himself.

When his colleagues arrived, the 15-year-old would-be robbers were arrested, charged, and later admitted attempted robbery and public order offences.

PC Jackson said it was a ‘genuine honour’ to be nominated for the 2024 National Police Bravery Awards.

He added: “My primary concern during the incident was ensuring not one but both suspects were detained.

Warrington Guardian: PC Jackson said his nomination is a 'great honour'PC Jackson said his nomination is a 'great honour' (Image: Cheshire Police)

“I would have felt I’d done the victim a disservice if I’d only detained one of them, because I wanted to prevent them from escaping and injuring the victim or other members of the public.

“My second focus was to summon further officers who had the appropriate emergency equipment to assist with the incident, as I had no police equipment on me at the time.

“It is a genuine honour to be nominated for this award.

“I’m aware of the heroic actions of previous nominees from Cheshire Constabulary, which makes it even more of a privilege.”

As Cheshire Police’s nominee for the National Bravery Awards, PC Jackson will attend a reception at Downing Street in July, followed by an evening ceremony with fellow nominees from around the country.

Cheshire Police Federation chairman, Jamie Thompson, said: “PC Jackson was outnumbered and unarmed when he took on these aggressive men that night.

“I commend him on his outstanding policing skills, and cool and calm thinking, which prevented harm to members of the public and led to two convictions.”

Speaking after the incident, sergeant David Hynds said: “I would like to commend PC Jackson for going above and beyond to assist the public while off-duty, despite the threat to himself.

“His quick-thinking and courageous actions have safeguarded the victim and ensured the suspects will face the consequences of their actions.”