Two Leigh response officers commended for saving the life of machete attack victim

As you’ll have seen on this week’s episode of Manhunt on Channel 4, the impacts of knife crime can be absolutely devastating and, in some cases, result in the loss of life.

We’ve recently commended two Leigh response officers, who undoubtedly saved the life of a man who had been seriously injured during a machete attack in January 2024.

PCs Rebecca Hamer and Ellen Fazackerley were the first on the scene of a reported fight, where information given to us had been limited, and they didn’t know what they would be walking into.

Upon arrival, it was clear they were faced with weapon inflicted chaos.

Immediately they rushed to administer first aid to a man with a significant hand injury from a machete strike. He was losing blood quickly, and ultimately, he could’ve lost his hand or suffered more serious medical complications had they not acted so decisively.

However, that wasn’t the most serious injury they came across that day. After conducting initial enquiries with this first man, they discovered another man inside the property with a severe stab wound to the chest and heavy blood loss from an open wound in his leg.

They applied pressure, bandages and a torniquet to stop the bleeding and keep him alive before air ambulance colleagues arrived a short time after to take over. The man, who was in a potentially life-threatening condition, survived because of these officers’ actions.

They had no idea what they would encounter when they arrived, but acted with bravery and put the lives of these men above anything else.

Not only have they been commended by Chief Constable Stephen Watson QPM in a ceremony held last week, but they have also been awarded by the Royal Humane Society for the preservation of life.

Superintendent Danny O’Neil of the Wigan district said; “This incident gives insight into the unpredictability of what our frontline officers have to deal with each and every day across Greater Manchester.

“It also shows the devastation the violence, particularly that with knives and machetes can inflict. These men are very lucky to still be with us, but we know that there are many tragic cases where the ending is very different.

“PC Rebecca Hamer and PC Ellen Fazackerley are a credit to not just the Wigan district but GMP as a whole, and demonstrate the very best of response policing. Their response showcases teamwork, leadership in the face of tremendous difficulty, and the utmost care for victims of knife crime. I’m proud of their actions and hope that the people of Wigan share that pride in their police service.”