Coveted bravery award for three Spalding teenagers who saved woman from attacker

Three teenagers who stepped in to prevent an attempted rape have become the first people from the county to win a coveted bravery award.

Ben Tyler, Callum Smith, and Charlie Burley have been lauded as ‘role models’ by Lincolnshire Police Chief Constable Chris Haward for their quick actions when they heard a woman screaming for help while being attacked in Spalding.

Despite being just 15 and 16 at the time, the pals saw off the attacker and offered support to the victim after the incident, which took place in November 2021.

Last Thursday (November 30) the trio were celebrated at the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s annual Police Public Bravery Awards.

“They are true role models and deserve every accolade possible,” said Chief Constable Haward, who was in attendance the ceremony at The Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield along with Police Crime Commissioner Marc Jones.

“It is incredible to think that, as 15 and 16-year-olds, they chose to step in where others didn’t and their actions undoubtedly saved the victim from a more serious sexual assault.

“Throughout the evening I heard of similar tales of bravery and courage, but it is fair to say the boys really captured the hearts of everyone there.”

The woman was walking through the centre of Spalding, when she noticed a man following her.

He approached her from behind, overpowered her and started to assault her, before leading her away.

As they reached a nearby footpath, the woman saw three young men walking on the opposite side of the road along Albion Street and shouted for help.

Ben, Callum and Charlie – who were schoolmates at Spalding Academy at the time – saw the man assaulting the woman and stepped in.

As they walked towards the woman, the offender pushed her away and ran off, forcing the three men to run after him and catch him.

They managed to pull a bag from him which they believed he had stolen and returned it to the woman. They then waited with her until support arrived.

The three young men went on to assist the police investigation and on December 2, 2021 the offender was charged with attempt rape, robbery and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He later pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm with intent to commit a sexual offence. The offender was jailed for four years and one month.

“Chris Haward told the boys nobody from Lincolnshire had ever won the award before,” said Callum’s mum Sarah Davies.

“He and Marc Jones supported the boys, and they said it was really nice that three young lads get recognition for this as young boys get such a bad rap.

“When they boys were asked why they intervened they said ‘no woman should have to go through that’. They’ve got mums, sisters, girlfriends and they couldn’t ignore it.’

“They’ve never met the victim, but they’ve always hoped she’s had the help and support she’s needed, and that she’s ok.”

Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police, Lauren Poultney, hosted the event.

She said: “I know we ask our police officers to run towards danger and put themselves between harm and the public.

“We support them in doing so by providing training, safety equipment and support in the form of other police officers.

“The ask is still a significant one and takes great courage and bravery every day to deliver.

“But, when we see members of the public step up to support another person, someone they have never met before, or to support the police in preventing a crime, they do not have the same armour, they do not necessarily know that help is coming.

“This is bravery in its purest form and is to be commended.”