Honours for Dudley police heroes who stemmed stabbed man's 'bloodbath'
Two police officers who fought to save a crazed knifeman after he slashed his own throat following a double stabbing have been awarded top national bravery honours.
Inspector Steve Gordon and Sergeant Jon Andrews, both from Dudley, are to receive Royal Humane Society testimonials after the incident in Robin's Close, Stourbridge, on October 31 last year.
They were called to the house after reports of a disturbance there and when they arrived were met by 'a bloodbath', with two women having been stabbed.
The officers were told the attacker was still inside the house with a baby and when they went in Insp Gordon and Sgt Andrews were confronted by John Loveridge, who was armed with a large knife.
He then slashed his throat from ear to ear before they convinced him to drop the knife and began their fight to stop him bleeding to death.
In addition to the awards they are to receive the two officers also won the personal praise of Dick Wilkinson, secretary of the Royal Humane Society.
As he announced the awards Mr Wilkinson said: "This incident turned into a bloodbath after the man slashed his own throat down to his windpipe.
"In addition to trying to stem the bleeding the two officers also had to fight to restrain the man who was bleeding heavily and seemed to be intent on his own death.
"Paramedics who attended the scene were in no doubt that they saved the man's life.
"They said could not believe the officers had managed to stem the blood loss."
Insp Gordon added: "I feel highly honoured that the Royal Humane Society feel that what Sgt Andrews and I did that night warrants such a prestigious award.
"I am just thankful that the victims and the attacker all made a full recovery.
"As a Response Inspector for me the award represents all police officers, particularly response, who never know what they will be faced with, or deal with on a daily basis."
