Brave cops 'disarmed mob wielding baseball bats and gardening forks'

RIOTERS wielding gardening forks, baseball bats and timber were disarmed by police officers with no protective gear during major public disorder in the city centre.

- Sentinel Reporter

PCs Bethany Cottrell and Natalie Millward became part of the police's frontline response to the riots last summer - despite starting the day as police liaison officers.

That meant they were not wearing protective equipment like their public order colleagues as they tackled rioters 'trying to kill police officers'.

Chief Inspector Dave Barrow said: "Undeterred, they ran towards armed individuals wielding gardening forks, baseball bats, and timber - physically disarming them in a direct act of bravery.

"Recognising the increasing danger, the Commander ordered their withdrawal due to their lack of protective gear. However, rather than seeking safety, Beth and Nat voluntarily assumed new roles to continue assisting their colleagues.