Thread by @specials_101

⚠️Sad story!⚠️
Thread on assault off duty

Didn't want to talk about this but reflecting on it with everyone involved, I was encouraged to share

It is not a sympathy story for the public. It is a reminder for colleagues and friends on here to stay safe both on and off duty. 1/9

Working together in the past few months I've quickly become friends with an Special Sergeant on my borough. Last weekend we were on duty and stopped a car for pulling out infront of a bus. 4 occupants, seemed cool, word of advice, and off we go back to the nick. 2/9

Quickly got changed and we decided to go to the local pub for some food and drinks before heading home for the night. We did not realise we were being followed. While ordering at the bar, the 4 men from earlier came in and smashed a bottle on the skipper's head. 3/9

I was pushed against the bar and held while they repeatedly punched and kicked her on the floor. My biggest fear is not being able to help someone when they're in arms reach. It brought back a lot of bad memories from my past that I managed to overcome until now. 4/9

Thank you to the random member of the public and the barman who tried their best to help her. You did your best and it is completely understandable for you to back off for your own safety. Thank you to the ARV, SNT and ambulance unit in the area for turning up within 2 mins. 5/9

In the back of the ambulance, the skipper told me she is resigning from being a Special forever. She is still in hospital in stable condition for monitoring. Paperwork has since been handed in and she is in the midst of selling her house and moving up north. 6/9

I am very gutted that any of this happened. There were many little things we could've done differently to prevent it: the traffic stop, keeping an eye out for people following, the ARVs who saw them loitering around the nick, not going to the pub straight from shift, etc 7/9

If you read anything from this let it be this

Your personal safety matters the most! You're not only in danger on duty but off duty too! Just because you're not wearing uniform doesn't mean you're safe!

I'm not trying to scare people just hope you learn from our mistakes 8/9

After volunteering 12 years I am sad to see you go Skip but we all understand. I am honoured that you endorsed me for A/SPS. I wanted to run in January but didn't feel ready. Having put in another 150hrs since, I will apply! I am very grateful for the suppport Skip! Farewell 💙

The Sergeant will be reading this so #BeKind

I've been asked not to give out details, etc. for obvious reasons but if you do want to say some kind words, feel free to post replies on here. Me and the skip will be reading them all! 💙