Sergeant’s bravery recognised with national award nomination

A Gwent Police sergeant has been recognised with a National Police Bravery Award nomination after she subdued and arrested a knife-wielding thug.

Sergeant Menna Watkins was responding to reports of a disturbance during which the suspect had threatened a man with a knife.

Sgt Watkins spoke to the alleged victim at the scene and was trying to get more information about the suspect when he charged through the crowd of onlookers and lunged towards her. She deployed her Taser as he ran towards her and then handcuffed him and waited for back-up to arrive at the scene.

Gwent Police Federation secretary Annalea Kift described Menna as a “real credit” to the force: “Menna had the professionalism and calmness of mind to hold her ground, draw and discharge her Taser. 

“Her Taser discharge was accurate and she was able to subdue and arrest a violent offender who presented a very real threat to her personal safety and other members of the public. She then had the presence of mind to press her emergency button to ensure approaching units were fully briefed and aware of her location and the situation. 

“Menna displayed fantastic professionalism, calmness under pressure and courage. She is a real credit to Gwent Police.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert said: “Menna put herself at extreme risk to protect the lives of others and I am pleased that her bravery has been recognised with a national award nomination.

“I would like to thank her, on behalf of myself but also the people of Gwent, for this act of bravery, and the important role Menna plays every day with her police colleagues keeping residents safe.”