South Holland Police Inspector Matt Dickinson praised for role in ending knife siege

A police inspector has been praised for his empathy and understanding in helping to negotiate the end of a protracted siege.

South Holland Police Insp Matt Dickinson was one of the officers who were called in to help negotiate with a woman who was armed with knives.

During the incident, she threw a knife at an officer and goaded officers with two more from a window.

Thankfully thanks to the efforts of Insp Dickinson and his colleagues, PC Tom Day and PC Nicholas Woolley, the woman came out and was taken into police custody.

Police were called after residents raised concerns about a woman breaking into property. The force would not reveal the location or when this incident happened.

A force statement said: “We arrived at the scene where it was quickly apparent that early negotiations with the woman were failing, culminating in a knife being thrown at an officer, which thankfully missed.

“The woman then armed herself with two further knives, and was goading officers from the window of the home. A protracted siege ensued.

“Led by Insp Matt Dickinson, PC Tom Day and PC Nicholas Woolley started negotiations with the woman at the scene. Meanwhile, Supt Phil Vickers arrived at the Major Incident Room for a briefing, in order to assist if needed.

“After several hours speaking with the woman, she agreed to come out and was safely taken into police custody.

“Without the intervention of Insp Dickinson, PC Day and PC Woolley, this outcome could have been very different.

“This woman needed the right people to talk with her who had patience, understanding and empathy. Their job was to prevent escalation of a potentially dangerous situation, and this is what they did, ultimately preventing harm and keeping people safe.”

Lincolnshire Police is currently facing a £14million deficit which could result in the loss of 200 police officers and a further 200 support staff.

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