07 Jun, 2017 12:53 News

A Contact Centre supervisor from Surrey Police who tackled a knife-wielding robber in a supermarket car park has been awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation by Hampshire Constabulary.

Terry Bicknell, who has worked in the Force’s Contact Centre for 13 years, was in the Lidl supermarket car park in Bordon on July 1 2016 when he saw a woman grappling with a man who was armed with a knife.

The woman had been putting her shopping in her car when she was approached from behind by the man who tried to snatch her handbag off her shoulder. When that didn’t work, he used a knife to cut the strap. She screamed for help and then chased the robber, struggling with him to get her bag back, despite the fact he had a knife.

Upon hearing her screams for help Terry Bicknell and Nathan Jones, another member of the public who just happened to be passing by, sprang into action.

Terry launched himself at the knife-wielding robber, grabbing him and taking him to the ground.

Nathan immediately pinned the robber’s legs to the floor and managed to grab the large kitchen knife.

As both men restrained the robber they called 999 and kept him detained until officers arrived.

Ashley Austin was charged with robbery and possession of a bladed article. He pleaded guilty and was jailed for four years and six months.

All three were commended for their outstanding bravery, community spirit and selfless action by Hampshire Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney.

Chief Constable Pinkney said: “It is wonderful to hear about the selfless actions of Mr Bicknell and Mr Jones, demonstrating the strength of community spirit and how strangers can come together to help someone in need, and it has given me great pleasure to present these much-deserved awards.”

Sarah Durston, Head of Contact at Surrey Police said: “It does not surprise me in the slightest that Terry intervened and tackled an armed robber. The courage and selflessness he showed is typical of what I have come to expect from him. He is also extremely modest as he had not even told us he was being presented with a Chief’s Commendation by Hampshire Constabulary!

“I wish to congratulate Terry and the other two people involved for the remarkable spirit they showed in tackling this man and helping to ensure he was brought to justice for his actions that day.”

Terry, who has also been awarded a Hampshire High Sheriff’s Award for his bravery, added: “I am extremely flattered to have been recognised with both these awards but my intervention that day was something any other passer-by would have done.”

Pictured with Terry Bicknell is Hampshire Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney.