Key Points:
- Two Metropolitan Police officers nominated for the 2025 National Police Bravery Awards.
- Incident occurred in Tower Hamlets, East London, on 7 October 2023.
- Officers responded to a report of a vulnerable man experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Upon arrival, man emerged from his locked bedroom with what appeared to be a handgun.
- PC James McDowall tackled and disarmed the man to protect his unarmed family nearby.
- Weapon was later identified as an air pistol.
- The Crown Prosecution Service discontinued the case.
- Officers’ actions praised for bravery and professionalism.
Two Metropolitan Police officers from East London—PC James McDowall and PC Ancuta Rusu—have been nominated for the 2025 National Police Bravery Awards following their courageous intervention during a high-risk incident involving a vulnerable man reportedly armed with a gun. The situation unfolded in the early hours of 7 October 2023 in Tower Hamlets and was first reported by The Havering Daily.
What triggered the police response in Tower Hamlets?
As reported by The Havering Daily, the officers were dispatched after a distressed friend of the man contacted emergency services, alarmed by messages suggesting imminent self-harm and suicidal intent. PC McDowall and PC Rusu arrived at the property and were directed by the family to a locked bedroom door.
How did the situation escalate?
According to The Havering Daily, PC McDowall and his colleague calmly attempted to engage the man through the door, asking him to confirm his safety. However, tensions escalated as the man became hostile, yelling at the officers and demanding they leave. Suddenly, the officers heard what McDowall described as “a rattling metal sound.”
In a statement published by The Havering Daily, PC McDowall said:
“I heard a rattling metal sound and thought: ‘Is that what I think it is?’ I backed off slightly, then the door opened, and I saw he was holding what looked to be a black handgun. Throughout my career I don’t think I’ve ever really feared for my safety before, but I did then.”
What immediate action did the officers take?
As per The Havering Daily‘s account, the man began to raise the gun as he stood in the doorway, prompting PC McDowall to act without hesitation.
Quoting PC McDowall via The Havering Daily:
“I could see his hand was starting to come up, and I thought: ‘I don’t want him doing anything stupid towards me or his family’. I figured if something’s going to happen, I’d rather it happens to me. So I ran at him and pushed him back into the room. I was just focused on grabbing his hand.”
PC McDowall and PC Rusu tackled the man onto a bed, disarmed him, and detained him safely. The weapon was later confirmed to be an air pistol, but that was unknown to the officers at the time of their intervention.
What happened after the man was detained?
According to The Havering Daily, the man was arrested and taken into custody. However, the Crown Prosecution Service later discontinued the case.
How were the officers recognised?
As reported by The Havering Daily, both officers have been nominated for the 2025 National Police Bravery Awards, an honour that recognises exceptional acts of courage by officers across the UK.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police Federation stated:
“PC McDowall and PC A showed huge bravery in disarming a volatile man, despite both officers being unarmed themselves. Their actions really demonstrate the adage that officers run towards danger.”
PC McDowall was also recognised at the 2025 London Police Bravery Awards, where 11 Metropolitan Police officers and two from British Transport Police were celebrated for acts of exceptional courage.
Why does this incident stand out?
This case highlights the rare but grave risks associated with mental health-related emergencies involving possible firearms. Police officers often arrive without clear information and must act instantly to protect both the subject and the public. In this case, the actions of PC McDowall and PC Rusu exemplified the composure, courage, and dedication required to manage volatile and potentially deadly situations.
What is the context of these awards?
The National Police Bravery Awards are held annually to honour officers across the United Kingdom who have performed outstanding acts of courage. Other recognised cases include:
- PC Andrew Cushing, who faced down a gunman in Camden in 2022.
- Officers in Slough who tackled a knife-wielding individual at a school.
- PC Bobby Hicks, who responded alone to a machete attack in an East London pub.
How do the public and police view this?
The Metropolitan Police Federation and wider law enforcement community have lauded the officers’ conduct. Their actions underscore the difficult, often dangerous, roles police play—especially when dealing with mental health crises. In many such situations, officers must balance compassion with decisive, sometimes life-saving, intervention.
