An unarmed, plain clothes police officer who single-handedly took down a gunman is up for a national award for his actions.
Bravery, running towards danger, rather than away from it, and keeping others safe are all pretty standard traits for police officers.
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However, every so often, we'll hear about one being particularly heroic. And, every year, these brave men and women are honoured at an awards ceremony, specifically for officers who go above and beyond.
One such cop is 35-year-old police constable Rob Shakespeare, who tackled a masked gunman while unarmed.
The gunman threatened staff at the Wing Lee takeaway. Credit: Googlemaps
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PC Shakespeare was on plain clothes duty in Stockport, when he heard over the radio that a man wearing a balaclava had been seen carrying a gun and was threatening staff at a Chinese takeaway. After managing to steal just £20, the man then took off on his bike, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Knowing that the armed response vehicles were some way away, the PC decided to chase him down on his own.
As he was chasing him, the gunman doubled back and rode his bike straight towards PC Shakespeare. The heroic police officer decided the best thing to do would be to take him down. So, as he cycled past, the officer clipped his bike wheel, causing the robber to fall off and attempt to run off.
PC Shakespeare gave chase on foot, eventually tackling the gunman to the ground and taking hold of the gun. He sounds like Liam Neeson this fella, doesn't he?
PC Rob Shakespeare. Credit: Manchester Evening News
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PC Shakespeare told the MEN: "He had made threats to the public with what was believed to have been a firearm so I made the decision to intervene.
"It was a momentary decision. The concern was he had the potential to cause harm. I thought I would have one opportunity to detain him before it went too far.
"I felt confident I would be quick enough to grab hold of him before he could discharge (the gun). I didn't have time to worry. I've done the job a long time so am confident of dealing with a range of hostility."
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Ian Hanson, chairman of Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: "Not many people could claim to have tackled an armed offender, and to do so unarmed, with no back up, just goes to show how truly courageous and committed police officer PC Shakespeare is.
"His thoughts were not for his own safety but for the people of Stockport that day and we are all beyond proud of him for his brave actions. He represents the very best of the best and we salute him. Well done PC Shakespeare."
In recognition of his actions, PC Shakespeare is up for an award at the National Police Bravery Awards later this month. Good luck to him.
Featured Image Credit: Manchester Evening News