Uniformed Hero nomination – PC Bethany Cottrell and PC Natalie Millward

Uniformed Hero nomination – PC Bethany Cottrell and PC Natalie Millward

PCs Bethany Cottrell and Natalie Millward have been commended for their extraordinary courage during one of the most violent protests seen in Stoke-on-Trent in a generation, including running towards and disarming protestors wielding gardening forks, baseball bats and timber.

They were ambushed by people who launched fireworks and masonry and, unlike colleagues, were without protective equipment.

The PCs, known as Beth and Nat, have been nominated in the Uniformed Hero category of the Your Heroes Awards by Staffordshire Police.

A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said: “Their extraordinary courage, resilience and selflessness were demonstrated during one of the most violent protests seen in Stoke-on-Trent in a generation. On August 3, 2024 a protest took place in Hanley City Centre following the tragic murders of three young children in Southport.

“The demonstration, initially organised in solidarity with the victims, their families and their communities, soon became volatile. Beth and Nat, performing the role of Police Liaison Officers, began their duty at 8am by engaging protestors at a local public house. In an unprecedented situation, rival Stoke City and Port Vale supporters united for a common cause.

“Over the next two hours, the officers-built rapport and established trust—relationships that would prove vital in maintaining order as tensions escalated. At 11.30am the crowd, 100+ strong, marched towards Shelton, a predominantly Muslim-populated area. Recognising the risks, Commanders ordered officers to form a police cordon to prevent the group’s entry.

“Incensed, the crowd grew in numbers and hostility, shouting racist chants and pushing against the police line. Beth and Nat bravely positioned themselves between the officers and the enraged crowd, using their established connections to calm tensions and reduce conflict, despite being subjected to extreme verbal abuse and threats.

“As the crowd returned to Hanley, their aggression turned toward a counter-protest group. Again, Beth and Nat played a pivotal role in defusing hostility, demonstrating exceptional empathy, listening and diplomacy.

“At 12:30 misinformation spread through the crowd, prompting protestors to move towards a nearby public park. Upon reaching the top of Town Road they were ambushed by members of a mosque, who launched fireworks and masonry at both officers and protestors. Unlike their public order colleagues, Beth and Nat were without protective equipment, exposed to direct harm.

“Undeterred, they ran towards armed individuals wielding gardening forks, baseball bats, and timber—physically disarming them in a direct act of bravery. Recognising the increasing danger, the Commander ordered their withdrawal due to their lack of protective gear.

“However, rather than seeking safety, Beth and Nat voluntarily assumed new roles to continue assisting their colleagues. Beth, already trained in public order policing, changed into protective gear and immediately re-joined the frontlines. Over the next four hours she stood firm amidst escalating violence, where knives and machetes were used. Nat became a welfare officer, distributing bottles of water to exhausted officers battling to maintain control.

“Both officers epitomise what it means to serve in uniform. Their unwavering courage and selflessness minimised violence and prevented serious injury to countless individuals. In the face of extraordinary danger, they sacrificed their own safety to protect others.”