A heroic police officer who disarmed a man threatening to shoot his own mother has attended a national awards ceremony.

Sergeant Graham Yare swiftly responded to a 999 call in which it was reported a man was in possession of a firearm and was threatening to harm a woman in Gateshead.

Within minutes, Sergeant Graham Yare and two other officers, PCs Joe Rosselli and Carlo Charlton, were at the scene where they spotted the offender in his backyard.

Call handlers had previously heard him say he was armed and heard what was believed to be gun shots in the background of the emergency call.

Sgt Yare scaled the fence and skilfully disarming the man, who was holding what appeared to be a Uzi submachine gun. 

While the weapon was later found to be an air replica, Sgt Yare had no way of knowing that at the time and it was his quick response in the face of danger which earned him a nomination for a National Police Bravery Award.

The Northern Echo: Sgt Yare with Winton Keenan in Downing Street Sgt Yare with Winton Keenan in Downing Street

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He said: “This was definitely not an average shift, but as a response officer you have to be ready for anything, and my instincts just kicked in.

“I had no idea the firearm wasn’t genuine but in that moment you have to be prepared for the worst case scenario and my number one priority is to keep the public safe.”

On Thursday, Sgt Yare, who has more than 17 years of policing experience, attended the award ceremony in London alongside Chief Constable Winton Keenen QPM and Inspector Jim Gray, Chairman of Northumbria Police Federation, who initially nominated him for the award.

Although he did not win, his outstanding actions were celebrated alongside all the other brave nominees from forces across the country.

Sgt Yare added: “I genuinely humbled to have been nominated and it was an honour to be in London, and to be recognised alongside so many other police officers.

“I was just doing my job that day, safe in the knowledge I’d been trained well and knew my team would have my back no matter what – and that’s a true privilege.”

Chief Constable Winton Keenen QPM said: “I am privileged to lead a force where high levels of resilience, bravery and fortitude are demonstrated on a daily basis and I have come to expect exceptional behaviour as the norm as our officers, staff and volunteers seek to keep our communities safe and fight crime.”

Impressed by the Sgt’s unwavering commitment to protecting the public, Northumbria Police Federation Chairman, Inspector Jim Gray, said: “The information received from the 999 call made it clear this was a potentially dangerous and escalating situation.

“Graham is not a firearms officer but put himself at significant personal risk to ensure the safety of the man’s mother and the man himself, his police colleagues and other members of the public – and this is a true act of bravery.

“It was such an inspirational night and Sgt Yare is a winner in my eyes.”

The Northern Echo: Sgt Yare at Downing Street Sgt Yare at Downing Street

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Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “It’s no surprise that Graham was nominated for this award.

“He is a fantastic representative of the dedication, selflessness and bravery shown by our Northumbria Police officers every single day.

“Whatever the outcome at awards like this it’s so important that we shine light on people like Graham who are brave enough to wear the uniform.”

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