This footage captures the shocking moment when Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers defied orders and gunned down a gunman in north Manchester.
PCs Jack Grainger, Jessica Hamblett and Richard Hayes are seen attacking gunman Mohammed Shabaz Rafiq on the streets of Harpurhey, although they heard a gunshot moments before in the dramatic dashcam footage.
The unarmed police officers were advised to wait for reinforcements, but took action when the streets began to fill with children on their way home from school on March 24 last year.
The shooter is now behind bars and the trio have received national awards for bravery for their heroism.
Mohammed Shabaz Rafiq, 24, whose fingerprints were found in his pocket, was sentenced to five years in prison last July for possession of an illegal firearm
PCs Jessica Hamblett, 29, of Ramsbottom, Richard Hayes, 42, of Flixton and Jack Grainger accepted their awards at the 2022 Police Bravery Awards last week.
The trio were in the tenth hour of a fairly routine shift when they spotted some men in a phone booth known to be used by drug dealers.
“We looked at them and then we heard a bang,” said PC Hamblett. “I turned to my colleague and said, ‘That’s a shot.’
“As I said this, a guy came running up with a black garbage bag and held it to his stomach. We stopped next to him. He realized we were cops and ran away.”
He and three other men ran toward a black Ford Focus near Ashgill Walk, but the door was locked. In desperation, he tore off the handle. He was seen throwing the garbage bag through the car’s open window as it tried to drive away.
While PC Grainger was chasing the man who threw the bag, PC Hayes used his baton to smash the car’s closed windows as it scaled a curb to escape and maneuver around parked cars.
PC Hamblett admitted the scene was “like a comedy skit” before she and PC Hayes pulled out their tasers and “red dotted” the men in the car, who continued their escape in slow motion.
Officers radioed backup and admitted they had overridden orders to wait.
“We couldn’t wait for armed resources to arrive,” PC Hamblett said. “There were children on the street. You have to react to that. That’s what you sign up for when you go to the police.
The dramatic footage captured the moment the men were arrested by the brave police officers
PC Hamblett admitted the scene was “like a comedy skit” before she and PC Hayes pulled out their tasers and “red dotted” the men in the car, who continued their escape
The trio admitted they went into the situation without support and against orders, but said they would do it again to ensure those nearby are safe
The incident, which took place on the streets of Harpurhey in March last year, was captured in dashcam and bodycam footage
A gun was found in a black garbage bag under the car, not on the man who escaped. The weapon was a converted Retay pistol with a blank-firing pistol that still had one cartridge in it
“Honestly, I would do the exact same thing again. He was so close to us. We were already in too deep. It’s ‘do you deal with that?’ or having someone approach school children with a sharp gun. Some officials said we were absolutely insane and didn’t do it. But I think anyone in our position would do the same.’
PC Hayes added, “I knew right away it was a pistol. I have weapon experience. we have children We don’t have time to think about it afterwards.”
A gun was found in a black garbage bag under the car, not on the man who escaped. The weapon was a converted Retay pistol with a blank-firing pistol that still had one cartridge in it.
Mohammed Shabaz Rafiq, 24, whose fingerprints were found in his pocket, was sentenced to five years in prison last July for possession of an illegal firearm.
Lee Broadbent, the chairman of the Greater Manchester branch of the Police Federation, which represents ordinary officers, said: “What a great trio of colleagues. We are very proud of their work.
“The act of Jack, Jessica and Richard in pursuing a man armed with a firearm they believed had just been released was exceptionally brave.
“Officials acted quickly to apprehend this man and prevent any harm to the public, resulting in a significant risk to their own well-being.
“Not only was the suspect arrested, but her excellent commentary during the pursuit prompted other officers to assist her and subsequent management of the scene ensured the gun and other key evidence was recovered.
“The actions of these officers have placed a very high risk individual in custody which will have had a significant impact on protecting and reassuring the local community.”
