He Put Himself Between the Knife and His Colleague” — GMP Sergeant Honoured After Brutal Street
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Manchester Today has learned how a Greater Manchester Police sergeant risked his life to protect a colleague during a shocking knife attack in Whalley Range — an act of bravery that has now earned him a prestigious royal honour.
Sergeant Tim Ansell, part of Greater Manchester Police’s Trafford district response team, was stabbed multiple times after stepping in front of an armed attacker during what began as a routine call in July 2023.
Manchester Today understands officers had initially attended a standard road traffic incident on July 26, 2023 — but within moments, the situation turned violent.
A hooded man, later identified as Jacob Brown, 27, approached from behind and launched a sudden knife attack.
Brown first targeted Sergeant Foster before turning his attention to others at the scene.
In what has been described as a split-second act of courage, Sgt Ansell placed himself directly between the attacker and his colleague.
He was stabbed repeatedly, suffering serious injuries to his neck, arm, and body.
Despite the severity of his wounds, Manchester Today understands Sgt Ansell continued to engage the attacker, attempting to restrain him and prevent further harm.
Dramatic bodycam footage later captured the aftermath of the attack, showing Sgt Ansell struggling but refusing to back down.
He can be heard telling a colleague:
“Put something on my neck here, I’ve been f***ing stabbed here.”
The footage highlights the sheer intensity of the incident — and the bravery shown in the face of it.
As the situation escalated, PC Marcus Wolstencroft deployed a Taser, allowing officers to bring the attacker under control.
Brown, who was armed with a blue-handled craft knife and had no connection to the original incident, was arrested at the scene.
Police later confirmed that the officers’ actions prevented any members of the public from being injured.
All three officers involved have since been recognised with multiple honours, including:
Chief Constable’s Annual Bravery Awards
The John Egerton Bravery Award
The North West Bravery Award
However, the highest recognition has now been awarded to Sgt Ansell.
Manchester Today can confirm that Sgt Ansell has been awarded the King’s Commendation for Bravery, one of the UK’s most prestigious honours.
The award was presented at St James's Palace on Wednesday (March 25).
Greater Manchester Police said:
“The actions of all three officers ultimately saved each other and meant no members of the public suffered any injuries.”
Brown later pleaded guilty to attempted murder and three counts of wounding with intent.
In April 2024, he was handed an indefinite hospital order.
At Manchester Today, we recognise the extraordinary bravery shown by frontline officers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers officers face daily — and the split-second decisions that can save lives.
Sgt Ansell’s actions did not just protect a colleague — they prevented what could have been a far more serious outcome for everyone involved.
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