Officers nominated for award following protest

Two officers have been nominated for an award after they showed extraordinary courage during the violent protest in Stoke-on-Trent last year.

PCs Bethany Cottrell and Natalie Millward, both of the Stoke-on-Trent south local policing team (LPT), have been nominated in the Uniformed Hero category of the Your Heroes Awards.

On 3 August 2024, a protest took place in Hanley city centre which quickly became volatile.

(Above, PC Natalie Millward)

Bethany and Natalie showed courage and resilience by building rapport and trust with the protesters, despite being subjected to verbal abuse and threats. 

Chief Inspector Dave Barrow, of the Stoke-on-Trent south LPT, said: “During the protest, Beth and Nat were both part of the frontline response, despite starting their shift that day as police liaison officers, who serve as a bridge between the police and the community, ensuring effective communication and building trust.

“This meant that unlike their public order colleagues, Beth and Nat were without protective equipment.

(Above, PC Bethany Cottrell)

“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.

“Beth, already trained in public order policing, changed into protective gear and immediately re-joined the frontlines.

“Nat became a welfare officer, distributing bottles of water to exhausted officers battling to maintain control.

“Both officers epitomise what it means to serve in uniform. Their unwavering courage and selflessness minimised violence and prevented serious injury to countless individuals. In the face of extraordinary danger, they sacrificed their own safety to protect others.”

The Your Heroes Awards highlight the unsung heroes in communities across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire. The Uniformed Hero category recognises anyone who has gone above and beyond their usual duties, helping others, putting in time, effort and commitment to do themselves and Stoke-on-Trent proud.

The Your Heroes awards ceremony takes place on Thursday 27 November at a black tie event in Stoke-on-Trent.