Hero Manchester couple attacked while saving woman from gang of youths are honoured with bravery award

Husband and wife, PCs Jack and Joanna Wilber (who was pregnant) went to the aid of a woman who was being attacked by a gang of youths - and have now been given a Police Federation Award for bravery.
Joanna and Jack Wilber of Greater Manchester PoliceJoanna and Jack Wilber of Greater Manchester Police
Joanna and Jack Wilber of Greater Manchester Police

Two brave Greater Manchester police officers have been honoured by the Police Federation for intervening and stopping a woman being attacked.

PCs Jack and Joanna Wilber stepped in after hearing a fracas near their home.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A member of the gang stabbed Jack twice with what was either a screwdriver or a knife, leaving him with deep wounds and a broken rib.

He managed to detain one of the youths despite his injuries, but the others attacked Joanna, who was pregnant.

Thanks to the officers’ actions, the woman was saved from serious harm and all suspects were arrested.

Jack and Joanna received hospital treatment but were discharged a short time afterwards and they have now received a Police Federation Award 2020.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Greater Manchester Police Federation chair Stu Berry said: “This incident really proves that GMP officers are never off duty. Jack and Joanna realised that this woman was clearly in trouble and in the best traditions of policing ran towards the danger to protect her.”

Other officers who won Police Federation awards on Tuesday include Met police officer Stuart Outten, dubbed “Britain’s hardest cop” after single-handedly fighting off a machete attacker, and PC Geoff Marshall from Derbyshire police, who risked his life helping sandbag a dam under the threat of collapse in Whaley Bridge.

Chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales John Apter said: “We have the finest police officers in the world – dedicated public servants who, without hesitation, put themselves in danger to protect others.

“They are humble, professional and committed individuals who I am proud to call my colleagues.

“Police officers are everyday heroes who are anything but ordinary.”