James Cunningham

Prime minister praises ‘brave' coventry policemen

 Jim Cunningham MP, Gordon Brown, Nicola Newman-Palmer, PC Andrew Rudnicki, Cheryl Clinch, PC Richard Owen

PRIME Minister Gordon Brown today praised the ‘courage’ of two brave Coventry policemen.
PC Richard Owen and PC Andrew Rudnicki – who work at Little Park Street Police Station – have been nominated for the title of Britain’s Bravest Bobby for their role in tackling two dangerous criminals.
Coventry South MP Jim Cunningham highlighted the pair’s bravery during Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons today.
Mr Brown was so impressed with tale of the Coventry policemen, he later met the pair to thank them personally.
Jim Cunningham MP said: “PC Owen and PC Rudnicki each showed considerable bravery and courage during the incident. The police do a great job in protecting us and I’m sure the people of Coventry would join me in honouring PC Owen and Rudnicki for showing such bravery during the course of their duties.
“I was pleased to raise the matter at Prime Minister’s Question and delighted that the Prime Minister took a few moments later in the day to meet PC Owen, PC Rudnicki and their colleagues.”
PC Owen and PC Rudnicki will discover whether they have won the award tomorrow night.
The incident involving PC Owen and PC Rudnicki happened when they were called to a dispute at a house in the Hillfields area of Coventry.
It was known by the officers that at least two people had been slashed with a knife and others had been assaulted.
While the officers were interviewing witnesses noises were heard from the front door of the premises and PC Owen went to investigate.
He was confronted by two men, one armed with a sawn off shotgun.
PC Owen charged at the armed man and attempted to restrain him, while PC Rudnicki assisted.
The shotgun was later found to have the safety catch off and was loaded.
Further cartridges were found in the offender’s pocket together with a large knife and two balaclavas.
The offender was found to have been on licence having only recently been released from serving a lengthy sentence for a Section 18 wounding.
The second offender was arrested a short time later.
Speaking in the Commons, the Prime Minister said of PC Owen and PC Rudnicki: “I have nothing but praise for what they are doing. They undertake very difficult work with great courage especially in times when we have a terrorist threat as well.
“They deserve the whole-hearted support of the British public. Everybody who receives these awards for their courage should be thanked by all of us.”