Trafford PC recognised for outstanding act of courage

Police Constable Paul Spinks, who serves on GMP’s Trafford district has been recognised for his outstanding act of courage as he tackled a man waving a machete outside a school in Salford during term time.

PC Spinks, who was off duty at the time and was not wearing any protective uniform or equipment, he put his own life on the line to ensure that members of the public were kept safe.

On (Wednesday 10 May 2023), he received the prestigious Emergency Services Award at the Pride of Manchester Awards ceremony, held at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. 

PC Paul Spinks, who won the award, said: “I am humbled to receive this award.

“The safety of the public was paramount, and I took action to detain the man to prevent any injuries to any other person.

“At the time, protecting others was my priority and accepting the risk posed to myself.

“Knives have no place within our community’s and taking a knife off the street is one less in the right direction.”