Metropolitan Police Service - Volunteer Cadets

A brave cadet from Greenwich recently came to the rescue of a seriously injured person who was brutally attacked after coming out of a betting shop. Nathan Burrell was walking home, when he heard the commotion. A serious assault had occurred where a middle aged man was headbutted outside the premises, knocked to the floor unconscious and then kicked about the head by two males as he lay unconscious on the floor, causing serious facial fractures and bleeding on the brain.

Whilst by himself, unaware of exactly what had happened and not knowing whether suspects were still in the area, Nathan went to assist. In the heat of the moment, he applied his first aid training and placed the unconscious male in the recovery position, before calling for an ambulance. Nathan kept the victim’s airway clear and maintained his breathing, which ultimately may have helped to save his life.

On finding her husband lying in a pool of blood the wife became hysterical. Nathan offered her reassurance, kept her company and calmed her down whilst waiting for the emergency services. When the Police arrived, he spoke to officers, explained what he had done and provided his details. He remained calm and controlled throughout the incident.

Later that evening at Kings College Hospital, the victim's partner told Police Officers how grateful she was to the young man who came to her assistance, when others kept their distance. She said she had been panicking and without his support, she wouldn't have known what to do.

The victim remains seriously ill in hospital however his condition has now stabilised. Four people have now been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit attempted murder.

Nathan Burrell said: ‘It all happened so quickly and I didn't have time to think about it. It was great to be able to use all the skills learnt at police cadets and have the confidence to help the injured man and his wife. I am really glad to hear that he is getting better.’

Chief Inspector Myers said: ‘This was a serious assault incident where, due to the prompt actions of a Volunteer Police cadet, a victim has received immediate First Aid which has doubtless helped prevent the situation deteriorating and possibly even saved their life. The end result is that the victim is thankfully recovering well and the suspects have now also been arrested and charged - an ideal outcome.

It is also particularly notable that this is the second time within a year that Nathan has assisted a seriously injured person and he rightly received a Borough Commanders Commendation on that previous occasion as well!. I am extremely pleased that he is soon to undertake the role of a Police Volunteer with Greenwich Borough Police and I wish him a long and successful career within the Service which has made such a fantastic start.’