Violent disorder: the many messages of thanks

During the recent violent disorder in Hanley and Tamworth, many messages of thanks from the public and dignitaries including the King flooded in. 

Below is a selection of the messages we have received for the brave and selfless service our teams provided to manage the violent disorder and subsequent investigation. 

His Majesty The King
The chair of National Police Chiefs’ Council, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens QPM, and the gold commander for Operation Navette set up in response to widespread violent disorder, Chief Constable BJ Harrington QPM, were pleased to receive a call from His Majesty The King on 9 August.

The King conveyed his enormous gratitude to officers, staff and volunteers who are working with such resilience to keep all communities, especially the most vulnerable, safe from harm.  The King commented upon the courage and strength of character he had observed, expressing his feelings for colleagues and their families.  In particular, The King sent his best wishes for recovery to those that have faced abuse, assault and injury, and wished to convey his deep admiration for the policing response.

Local MPs
Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire MPs wrote to Chief Constable Chris Noble expressing their thanks and support to the force. 

High Sheriff
The High Sheriff of Staffordshire, Mrs Julia Mitchell MA Oxon, has sent a personal letter to us. 

Open letter from Tamworth MP
Sarah Edwards MP, the representative for Tamworth, shared an open letter on her X account commending the force and other emergency services for our bravery and professionalism. 

Members of the public

Marion from Tamworth said:  

 Just to say a big thank you for coping with the hotel fire. The job you all do is amazing, and you risk your lives daily. 

Again, a big thank you for the job you do.  Really appreciate it. 

Adrian from Hampshire said:  

Thank you for your professionalism and holding the thin blue line. 

Having just retired from Hampshire police after 36 years in uniform, as a born and bred "Tamworth Sandyback" I am saddened to see the disorder that erupted at the Holiday Inn yesterday.   

Well done for holding the thin blue line whilst being vastly outnumbered, and under pressure. I fear that this may only be the start of something that has been brewing for many years.   

Stay strong. 

Rifa from Hanley said:  

This was a tense weekend for our family. Thank you for keeping us safe. We hope that those of you who may be injured during your duties recover well. 

The image of the police standing between us and the rioters will forever be ingrained in our minds.  

Thank you for keeping our families and children safe. 

Naomi said:  

As I watched in utter disbelief, (online) I couldn't help but notice the bravery of every single individual, trying to protect the holiday inn residents and building. 

I genuinely cannot believe what I'm witnessing at the moment and I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you for risking your lives to keep us safe across the country. 

You faced fireworks, bricks, being screamed at, fire and probably much more. 

The general public appreciate you, despite what it currently looks like. We appreciate you're doing a job and want to say thank you for that. 

Stay safe and hope peace is here soon.