Arrest after public transport safety officer intervenes to stop assault

A public transport safety officer has been thanked for his bravery after intervening to help a shop security guard who was being punched by an alleged shoplifter.

Muhammad Rizwan, a high-visibility officer from Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden's new tram and bus safety scheme Operation SafeTravel, helped to de-escalate the incident and keep him away from members of the public, before calling for police officers who quickly attended and arrested him.

The incident happened when the officer saw the altercation while he was on patrol at the Old Market Square tram stop at around 4.30pm on Thursday 1 October.

The man had allegedly taken a wine bottle and other items from the nearby Tesco Express.

When challenged by the security guard, he became aggressive and verbally abusive and began punching him. During the altercation, the man also allegedly broke wine bottles and tore the security guard’s security vest.

He reportedly continued behaving aggressively and attempted to assault other members of the public, including young people waiting at the tram stop.

Operation SafeTravel officer Mr Rizwan was also hit in the hand while trying to keep people safe, before the suspect was arrested. He recorded the incident on his body-worn camera, to be used as police evidence.

PCC Godden said: "This incident is a perfect example of how these high-visibility officers are helping keep people safe in and around the public transport network and giving extra support to our police and partners.

"Thanks to his swift actions, Muhammad Rizwan was able to quickly de-escalate the situation, keep members of the public and the security guard safe and support an effective arrest and investigation by police."

Operation SafeTravel was launched in June and involves high-visibility officers hopping on and off buses and trams to offer safeguarding and a friendly face of support, as well as acting as extra eyes and ears in support of police investigations.

Funding for the £200,000 project comes from East Midlands Combined County Authority, led by Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, who is responsible for transport infrastructure across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

The officers are provided by Octavian Group and are tasked according to Nottinghamshire Police data on hotspots for crime and antisocial behaviour.

PCC Godden presented Mr Rizwan with a trophy and certificate to thank him for his bravery.

Mr Rizwan said: "I'm really proud to be able to help keep people safe.

"The best thing was the police came really quickly, within two minutes. I called them and he had walked off toward Poundland but the police came quickly and arrested him."

Other incidents that the Operation SafeTravel officers have dealt with since their introduction have included assisting with medical incidents, preventing people taking alcohol or escooters on trams, preventing fare dodging, de-escalating confrontations and preventing antisocial behaviour.

Chief Inspector Mike Ebbins, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "Operation SafeTravel makes a significant contribution to our collective safety offer for the city, providing an additional layer of support and reassurance alongside high-visibility policing, community protection and wider partnership activity.

"Mr Rizwan's intervention in this incident was outstanding. His vigilance and swift actions led to an arrest and prevented further harm, demonstrating the real value that Operation SafeTravel brings to keeping people safe.

"I would like to personally thank Mr Rizwan for a job exceptionally well done. His actions reflect the strength of our partnership approach and our shared commitment to making Nottingham a safer place for everyone who lives, works and visits here."

Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward said: “I was proud to allocate funding for Operation SafeTravel, and this incident shows the difference it has already made. Officers were available when someone needed help, and they quickly stepped in to keep everyone safe.

“Everyone should feel safe and confident when using public transport, whether they’re travelling to work, meeting friends or heading home.

“Operation SafeTravel gives a visible presence of officers on our buses and trams, helping to de-escalate incidents and giving people somewhere to turn when they need support. They can also quickly bring in the police when an incident requires it.

“We are pleased to support Operation SafeTravel and the officers working to make our transport network safer.”