'I had to help her': Ipswich man's extraordinary act of courage earns national recognition

The big picture: Bray was awarded both a gold medal at the National Police Chiefs Council's Police Public Bravery Awards and the prestigious Binney Medal – the highest honour given for civilian courage – at a ceremony in Sheffield on Thursday.

How it happened:

• Bray was driving with his wife on Playford Road on 19 December 2023 when he witnessed a man attacking a woman with a hammer
• After stopping to help, the attacker struck Bray's car twice with such force the hammer penetrated the bonnet
• Despite being hit in the forehead and having blood streaming into his eyes, Bray managed to restrain the attacker until police arrived

What they're saying: Chief Constable Lauren Poultney of South Yorkshire Police, who hosted the ceremony, said: "Robert acted out of sheer goodwill when he witnessed the aftermath of an incident, attempting to protect a complete stranger. He is a shining example of why these awards are so important."

Suffolk's Chief Constable Rachel Kearton added: "It is truly humbling to hear about not just Robert's bravery, but all of those selfless members of the public who put themselves in some potentially very dangerous positions."

The outcome:

• The attacker was found to have significant mental health conditions
• He was held in a mental health facility for treatment after being deemed too unwell to face trial
• Bray received a gold-plated, solid silver medal and the Binney Medal, named after Sir Ralph Binney who died trying to stop an armed robbery

The bottom line: Bray's selfless actions in the face of danger represent the highest standards of public courage, earning him recognition alongside others who saved people from knife attacks, rescued strangers from rivers, and assisted police with violent suspects.