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TWO heroic staff members who confronted an assailant as he attacked students with broken glass have been honored with a bravery medal.
Molly Bulmer and Alicia Richards put their lives on the line when they intervened as Louis Melotte violently assaulted a student in the reception area at Birley Academy last year.
Two courageous women at Birley Academy in Sheffield, Molly Bulmer and Alicia Richards, have received bravery medals.
Louis Melotte attacked a child before two brave staff members intervened.
Receptionist Alicia Richards and youth coordinator Molly Bulmer bravely restrained the teenager.
The duo has now been honored with the King’s Commendation for Bravery for their heroic actions.
Ms. Bulmer and Ms. Richards were among twenty remarkable individuals who received a Gallantry Award today.
The esteemed awards recognize individuals for their courage and bravery in perilous situations.
Footage revealed Melotte entering the school grounds with a shard of broken glass concealed in his sleeve, before launching a frenzied attack on a student.
However, he was bravely subdued by staff members Bulmer and Richards.
Ms. Bulmer, who served as a youth and integration coordinator at the school, intervened as Melotte began his assault on an unsuspecting student.
She placed herself in imminent danger in an effort to restrain him.
This caused Melotte to redirect his assault towards Ms. Bulmer, striking her at least ten times with the glass.
Receptionist Ms. Richards then courageously jumped in to help restrain the attacker, ensuring he could not advance further into the school.
Their brave actions prevented the assailant from penetrating deeper into the school building, allowing colleagues to initiate lockdown procedures and safeguard the wider school community.
Ms. Richards later expressed that she thought she was “going to die” at the hands of the teenager.
The pair sustained injuries after heroically springing into action during the terrifying incident.
In total, 20 extraordinary individuals were honored with a Gallantry Award today for their bravery and courage.
The awards included 2 George Medals, 3 King’s Gallantry Medals, and 15 King’s Commendations for Bravery.
Attack victim Grace O’Malley-Kumar was also awarded the George Medal for her remarkable courage in sacrificing her life to protect a friend.
Prime Minister Sir commented: “This is what true courage looks like.
“In moments of unimaginable danger, these extraordinary individuals acted with selflessness and bravery that exemplifies the very best of who we are as a nation.
“We owe each of them – and their families – our deepest gratitude. Their actions remind us of the strength and compassion that permeate our communities.
“I wish to pay tribute to all of the recipients, including Grace O’Malley-Kumar, who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect her friend. Her legacy will endure as a powerful testament to heroism.”
‘TRUE COURAGE’
Brave Grace has been commended for her heroism by family friends after being recommended for the honor.
She was also 19 and was posthumously recognized with the accolade.
The medical student attempted to save her friend, who was also 19, during an incident in June 2023.
A close family friend remarked about the athletic Grace: “Grace was an athlete.
“She could have easily run away, but her instinct was to stand by her friend, and she paid the ultimate price for her bravery.”
Meanwhile, Richard O’Brien has been awarded the King’s Gallantry Medal for intervening in an armed attack in Barnet on September 21, 2021.
Additionally, PC Mark Sutton and PC Thomas Dransfield received the King’s Commendation for Bravery for rescuing a man who was falling from a bridge in November 2023.
Melotte struggling with Ms. Bulmer, who bravely intervened.
