Stephen Robin Oake QGM

Died

:

14 January 2003

Age

:

40

Rank

:

Detective Constable

Force

:

Greater Manchester Police

Cause

:

Homicide - Stabbed

Duty Status

:

On Duty

Roll of Honour Citation

Tackling a suspect who had armed himself with a knife he sustained fatal injuries whilst protecting his colleagues. Posthumously awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal.

Detective Constable Oake and colleagues attended at an address in Crumpsall, as part of an immigration operation. The resident was not expected to be there, but the police found three men who had arrived in England illegally three years before. One of the men was not immediately recognised despite being wanted in London in connection a bioterrorism plot to attack the London Underground.

The male was not handcuffed by officers. However, believing that the officers had identified him in connection with the bioterrorism plot, he made an attempt to escape and, in the process of doing so, punched one officer and picked up a kitchen knife. DC Oake went to restrain the suspect but was stabbed eight times in the chest and upper body, including one blow which penetrated his heart.

Despite his extensive injuries which would later prove fatal DC Oake continued trying to help his colleagues bring the male under control. Three other officers suffered stab wounds before the suspect was eventually detained.

There was a full police funeral at Manchester Cathedral which was widely publicised and attended by over 1,000 people including the sitting Prime Minister.

DC Oake was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.