Saul Ashworth

Said the following about Jake Beckett Ellis Wood Dan Smith and Saul Stapley:

“On 19th May 2023 at approximately 1030am whilst walking along the station concourse at Manchester Victoria our Assistant Contract Manager Jake Beckett became aware of a male running through the station with a large kitchen knife, seconds later the male in question threw the knife and attempted to flee the scene after it became apparent that he had stabbed a member of the public in the stomach. Jake without consideration for his own safety and wellbeing made the decision to chase the male in order to ensure no further harm came to the public, as the male was attempting to flee the station he ran into a young child in the process which cause shock and panic to the members of the public passing through the station, as Jake began to chase the male towards the Hunts Bank entrance of the AO arena, Jake was joined by 2-3 off duty Greater Manchester Police officer's who was passing through the station at the time of the event, CT officer Saul Stapley also offered assistance and between them managed to catch up to the offender and apprehend him a short distance away from the initial crime. whilst all this was ongoing TSO supervisor Ellis Wood was orchestrated what was necessary from an evidence preservation stand point in securing the knife and ensuring first aid is given to the male who was now stricken on the concourse floor, CT officer Dan Smith was then requested by Ellis to administer first aid and apply pressure to the wound until the paramedics could eventually arrive on scene. Jake & Saul remained on hand to assist the off duty officers in restraining the male and ensuring no further harm came to anyone in the vicinity. The actions of all involved was nothing short of heroic and has drew immense praise and feedback from our counter parts at both the British Transport Police & Greater Manchester Police who could not thank all four officers involved enough for their selfless efforts to ensure public safety. I have also at the time of the nomination recieved notification from Northern Trains that Jake and his colleagues present are likely to be put forward for police commendation for their bravery and actions on the day in question, the victim of the attack suffered a punctured lung but thankfully is likely to make a full recovery thanks to the initial first aid given at the scene“