AN off-duty police officer who was punched in the face and knocked to the ground after she confronted a group of drunk men on a train has been nominated for a bravery award.

Durham officer PC Nicola Jackson was alone and off-duty waiting to board a train when she saw a group of six drunk, rowdy men being spoken to about their behaviour by a security officer.

The aggressive group entered the same carriage as PC Jackson, along with several other members of the public.

As the train travelled towards the next station PC Jackson monitored the group, fearing that their behaviour may escalate.

One of the men smashed a glass bottle on a table and threw it towards another man, then punched him in the face.

Without any hesitation or thought for her own safety, PC Jackson intervened and separated the two men.

One of them forcefully punched her in the face, so she identified herself as a police officer and arrested him for assault.

Once the men knew she was a police officer they appeared to become less aggressive.

PC Jackson called 999, to let them know had happened and requested assistance for when she arrived at the next station.

Around three minutes later the train arrived at the station and PC Jackson alighted onto the platform with the detained man.

One of the other men in the group then jumped out of the door and attacked PC Jackson, pushing her to the ground. She tried to keep hold of the arrested man but had to let go of her grip.

She grabbed the second man who had pushed her over, who then dragged her along the platform causing injuries to her hip and knee.

She had no choice but to let go and both men then escaped.

A short while later uniformed colleagues attended the station and with the help of PC Jackson, the men were found and arrested nearby.

PC Jackson has now been nominated for a Police Federation Police Bravery Award.

The awards, which take place on December 9, celebrate the bravery and dedication of officers across England and Wales - who think nothing of putting themselves in harm's way to protect others.

 

 

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