SCOTTISH POLICE FEDERATION
5 Woodside Place, Glasgow, G3 7QF
MEDIA RELEASE
The Scottish Police Federation represents all police officers in the ranks of
constable, sergeant, inspector and chief inspector, police cadets and special
constables; over 18,500 people, 98% of all police officers in Scotland.
To:
All Media
Date:
1 December 2016
Subject:
Scottish Police Federation Bravery Awards
Officers who tackled a knife attacker in heart of Edinburgh win
Scottish Police Federation Bravery Awards
Under Embargo until 00.01 on 2 December
Two officers who tackled a man brandishing a knife in central Edinburgh have won this year's
Scottish Police Federation Police Bravery Awards.
PC Paul Weatherston and PC Iain Reid received their awards from Justice Secretary Michael
Matheson at an event in the capital last night (1 December).
The pair were on uniformed patrol in an armed response vehicle on the afternoon of Friday 4 July
2014 when a member of public reported seeing a man with blood on his face.
When they approached the man to offer him first aid, thinking he had been assaulted, he pulled a
three-inch knife from his sock and lashed out at them.
Both officers were forced to use Taser on the attacker, concerned that he would run into the crowds
of people. He continued to struggle with them even on the ground, stabbing PC Weatherston three
times in total on his left shoulder.
"It was a shock," says PC Weatherston. "Your mind is going a hundred miles an hour, thinking about
how you're going to negate the threat and stop that person. I suppose what made it worse was the
fact that we were going to help someone, we were fully intending to give him first aid, and those
circumstances just flipped around so quickly."
They eventually managed to handcuff him and he was later given a prison sentence for the attack. It
emerged that he had been high on drugs during the attack.
"At the time, Paul didn't even realise he'd been stabbed, with all the adrenaline," said PC Reid. "It
wasn't until we had him under control that Paul said to me, 'I think he's caught me', which was a bit
of an understatement because all the blood was running down his arm."
PC Weatherston, who was left with nerve problems down his left hand, said: "At the end of the day,
Iain and I were doing our jobs and we'll do it again if we need to."
Brian Docherty, Chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, said: "PC Weatherston and PC Reid
acted admirably in a situation that would be most people's worst nightmare. Their courage and
quick-thinking helped resolve a confrontation that could have ended very differently.
"Their training, skills and decisive actions brought what could have been a dangerous and distressing
situation for passers-by in a very busy tourist area to a swift and safe conclusion.”
The duo were among 12 police officers from across Scotland recognised at the second annual
Scottish Police Federation Bravery Awards, honouring officers who have performed outstanding acts
of bravery while on or off duty.
Those shortlisted included officers who ran into a burning building, officers who rescued people in a
flood hit town, PCs who saved people attempting to commit suicide and an officer who tackled a
man with meat cleavers.
The officers attended a Parliamentary reception at Holyrood followed by an evening awards
ceremony.
Michael Matheson MSP said: “These awards allow us all to recognise the bravery of the individual
officers and I commend each and every one of them for going above and beyond the call of duty to
protect the public.”
The awards were sponsored by Police Mutual.
Stephen Mann, CEO of Police Mutual, said: "This is the second year we have sponsored the Scottish
Police Federation Bravery Awards. It is a privilege to be involved in an event that shines a light on the
exceptional courage shown by police officers.
"We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to those who have risked their lives to protect others and it
is absolutely right that we take time out to recognise their sacrifice."
ENDS
Note to editors:
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Due to Operational Reasons, the SPF is unable to release video or pictures involving PC Paul
Weatherston and PC Iain Reid.
Pictures of all the nominees at Holyrood will be available this afternoon (1 December) from
around 3.30pm. Please contact Lesley Stevenson with any requirements. 07825 875743.
Pictures of all the nominees at tonight’s Awards Ceremony will be available from tomorrow
(2 December) morning. Please contact Lesley should you require.
Videos of all the nominees – apart from PC Paul Weatherston and PC Iain Reid – will also be
available from tomorrow (2 December) morning.
For any interview requests, please also contact Lesley
See below a list of all other nominees – a link to their stories - and their areas.
Edinburgh - PC Neill Watt scaled Arthur's Seat to save a suicidal man
https://www.facebook.com/ScotsPolFed/photos/a.667572193396675.1073741828.6612157240323
22/735201033300457/?type=3&theater
Edinburgh - PCs Christopher Robertson and Liam Arbuthnott rescued an unconscious man in a
wheelchair from his smoke-filled flat
https://www.facebook.com/ScotsPolFed/photos/a.667572193396675.1073741828.6612157240323
22/728976833922877/?type=3&theater
Aberdeenshire - PCs Craig McFadyen, Russell Masson, Gavin Clephane and Insp Denise McInally
waded through chest-deep water to rescue local residents in flood-hit village of Ballater
https://www.facebook.com/ScotsPolFed/photos/a.667572193396675.1073741828.6612157240323
22/733906443429916/?type=3&theater
Aberdeenshire - PC Ewan Simpson gains Special Recognition Award after showing incredible
determination to return to work after losing his leg
https://www.facebook.com/ScotsPolFed/photos/a.667572193396675.1073741828.6612157240323
22/732509446902949/?type=3&theater
Glasgow - PC David Dinnen tackled man with meat cleavers near central Glasgow schools
https://www.facebook.com/ScotsPolFed/photos/a.667572193396675.1073741828.6612157240323
22/730948110392416/?type=3&theater
Ayrshire - PC Kirsty Robertson physically stopped a woman from throwing herself off a bridge in
Irvine
https://www.facebook.com/ScotsPolFed/photos/a.667572193396675.1073741828.6612157240323
22/729866747167219/?type=3&theater
For further information contact Lesley Stevenson at 5 Woodside Place, Glasgow, G3 7QF
Mobile: 07825 875743
Email: [email protected]