A POLICE officer who was pregnant and her husband colleague who both fought off a violent gang outside their home – suffering horrific injuries while protecting a woman – have been honoured for their bravery.

Married PCs, Jack and Joanna Wilber, based in Oldham, were subjected to a "sustained attack by a pack of youths" on September 14, 2019.

Joanna was pregnant at the time of the shocking attack.

The pair had responded to the cries of a distressed woman outside their home and could see she was being attacked by the youths.

Despite being severely outnumbered, the officers immediately went to her aid, only to be set upon by the gang.

During the melee Jack was stabbed twice with what was either a screwdriver or a knife, receiving deep wounds and a broken rib.

He still managed to grab hold of one of the thugs to prevent them making their escape but came under further attacks by the group, who were courageously held off by Joanna.

Further officers then arrived, and all the suspects were arrested.

Joanna and Jack who suffered severe bruising, both received hospital treatment but were discharged a short time afterwards.

After their courageous act, the couple have received the north west accolade at the Police Bravery Awards, collecting their gongs at Downing Street.

COURAGEOUS: Joanna Wilber

COURAGEOUS: Joanna Wilber

The Oldham Times:

PC Jack Wilber

Greater Manchester Police Federation chairman Stu Berry said the officers were "put through hell" during the attack.

He said: “This incident really proves that GMP officers are never off duty.

“Jack and Joanna realised that this woman was clearly in trouble and in the best traditions of policing ran towards the danger to protect her.

“What a brave thing to do – they were up against an armed gang but protected this woman and did everything they could to get their assailants to justice. It’s even more remarkable considering Joanna was pregnant at the time.

“We are all very proud of them both.”

PRAISE: Greater Manchester Police Federation chairman Stu Berry

PRAISE: Greater Manchester Police Federation chairman Stu Berry

National chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, John Apter, added: “We are incredibly proud of all the nominees from across England and Wales.

"The actions of these courageous officers provide a small snapshot of the amazing work our colleagues carry out day in and day out.

“Police officers are never off duty.

"PCs Jack and Joanna Wilber are the best of the best – bravely protecting a member of the public and putting their safety on the line to do so. Society should be very thankful we have people like the Wilbers looking after us.”