Police praise for Sheffield axe attack hero who saved officer's life

They have also said thank you for the support and well wishes from members of the public following the attack at a flat in Plowright Close, Gleadless Valley, Sheffield, last week.

PC Lisa Bates and four other officers were injured in an incident which started in Plowright Close and spilled out into the Co-op in nearby Blackstock Road.

PC Bates suffered a fractured skull, broken leg and severe hand injuries in the attack.

She was helped at the scene by 46-year-old Simon Ellis, who has since been visited by senior officers to say thank you.

Officers at the Sheffield South West Local Policing Team in Woodseats said in a statement: “Officers would like to thank colleagues and friends from across the force and further afield for the extraordinary outpouring of good wishes and sympathy following the axe attack on officers in Gleadless last week.

“We have been very moved by the support from the community, not only in Gleadless but across the city and we are very grateful for all the cards, flowers and donations that have been sent to our friend Lisa who is currently recovering well in hospital.

“As a team we will always be thankful for the brave actions of Simon Ellis, who helped save Lisa’s life. Senior officers have already visited Mr Ellis and he is being helped through the aftermath. We will look forward to visit him ourselves in due course to say thank you as well.

“The force is currently supporting the welfare of everyone involved in this horrific incident and we are grateful for that. For some involved this will be a long process, but we look forward to supporting our friends and colleagues in the weeks ahead.”

Nathan Sumner, aged 35, of Plowright Close, Gleadless Valley, has been charged with attempted murder, six counts of assault by beating, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of making threats to kill, affray, threatening a person with a blade in a public place and production of cannabis.