A Wandsworth police officer has won a national bravery award after shielding a man from a gang of ten who repeatedly punched, kicked and stamped on him.
PC Winston Mugarura was off-duty on December 23 last year when he saw a group of 10 men chasing and attacking another man in Camden.
He ran into the group to try and shield the man, told them he was an officer and showed them his ID while asking them to stop, but he was ignored.
Two members of the public tried to assist PC Mugarura to fend off the attackers but to no avail, with some of the blows hitting the officer on the back as he attempted to shield the man.
PC Mugarura managed to get the man away from the group and they ran off.
He then heard a woman screaming, as he turned to look in the direction of the screams the injured man also ran away.
The off-duty officer ran to the sound of the screams and found two members of the public tending to two women who had also been assaulted by the group.
One of the women sustained very serious injuries and a witness believed that she was dead as a result of the beating.
PC Murgarura left the woman in the care of the witnesses and ran after the group of men.
Despite the potential dangers to himself, the officer managed to catch and detain the main suspect for the attack.
Three other suspects were brought to PC Mugarura and he was able to positively identify them as being involved – they were also arrested for assault.
At court, three men were convicted of wounding with intent, attempted wounding with intent and violent disorder.
All three received custodial sentences ranging from four to seven years.
Speaking at the award ceremony, PC Mugarura, said: “I am amazed because all of the officers here are so deserving in their own right. They all do a good job and everyone is a winner.”
PC Mugarura’s Borough commander, Chief Superintendent Richard Smith, said: “Despite being assaulted himself, Winston pursued and apprehended some of the individuals involved in this incident.
“His courage, compassion and professionalism were outstanding and I am proud to have him as a member of my staff, helping to make London a safer place.”
PC Mugarura was joint winner alongside PC Adam Koch and PC Jean Stevens from West Midlands Police.
