Brave PCSO Lucy talks of assault

NEIGHBOURHOOD officer Adele Slater (left) with PCSO Lucy Hennessy who was assaulted while on duty.

A PCSO has spoken out after she was assaulted while going to the aid of a pensioner in Chadderton.

PCSO for Chadderton North Lucy Hennessy noticed the elderly woman's path being "obstructed" by a man as she was walking down Middleton Road.

In efforts to help the woman, Lucy began speaking with the man when he turned his attention to her and "pushed" her forcefully several times.

Lucy said: "He was pushing me on my shoulders.

"As I was speaking with him he pushed my shoulders so I walked away but I could hear him moving quickly behind me.

"I turned around and he pushed me again. He was pushing and shoving.

"It shook me up but I am thankful that it was nothing worse."

Lucy (59) was initially unable to find the alert button on her uniform to call for help from fellow officers.

However passers-by came to her aid and police officers were able to catch up with the offender further along Middleton Road.

The 36-year-old man who was responsible for the assault was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital and detained under The Mental Health Act.

The incident, which occurred near to Chadderton Cemetery at around 2pm last Wednesday, left Lucy with stiffness in her upper body and shoulders.

Neighbourhood Beat Officer for Chadderton North Adele Slater, who helped detain the offender, said: "Lucy was trying to help someone else when she was threatened.

"This is not an everyday occurrence.

Tough

"She was left in shock and with injuries to the upper body but she is a tough cookie."

Lucy has served as part of the Greater Manchester Police force for 22 years and as a PCSO for 12 years.

It was the first time in 12 years that she had been the subject of an incident of this nature.

Lucy said: "We are out and about as part of our job and we get to know people. I saw the woman needed help.

"We do not know what need they are in."

She added: "I would like to say thank you to the people who came to help."