Two Edinburgh policemen who “saved each other from serious injury” as they faced an attack by a scissors-wielding criminal and his rabid dog are to be recognised at an awards ceremony.
PCs Jamie Henderson and Matthew Jeffrey provided back up to colleagues who were dealing with a disturbance in the Prestonfield area of the city.
They gave chase to the man who, along with his bull terrier-type dog, burst out of a property and into a nearby stairwell.
The duo managed to stop him from closing the main door, with PC Jeffrey placing his boot in the way despite the dog repeatedly biting it.
The animal then bit PC Henderson on the hand, while the man issued a barrage of threats against the pair.
PC Henderson was able to spray the dog – which was being commanded to attack the officers – with a fire extinguisher, forcing it to flee up the stairs.
But this only made the male aggressor even angrier.
Armed with scissors, he made a number of attempts to stab both officers, before a Taser was used and he was restrained and arrested.
Their actions “maximised the safety of the public within the common stair,” said CI Neill Whiteside, who nominated them. He added: “Both police constables saved each other from serious injury, if not worse. They both displayed an astounding ability to adapt to the incident.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
