DETAILS of police officers' frantic efforts to save the lives of a couple stabbed while their children slept upstairs have been revealed at an awards ceremony.

While two officers arrested the attacker, who lived next door, colleagues battled unsuccessfully to save husband and wife Jennifer and Stephen Chapple in their home in Dragon Rise, Norton Fitzwarren.

Collin Reeves, then aged 35, was later jailed for 38 years for the double murder of his neighbours on November 21, 2021.

READ MORE: The trial and verdict in Collin Reeves double murder trial.

In recognition of their actions at the murder scene, PC Sylwia Bleach, PC Claire Coles, Sgt Nicholas Cooke and PC Robert Dibble were awarded Royal Humane Society Awards for acts of bravery in attempting to save human life at a ceremony last week.

PC Billy Collin, PC Naomi Binding, DS Rachel Walls, DC Tony Davis, PC Brett Freeman and PC Charlette Faulkner received a Chief Constable Commendation in recognition of outstanding courage and policing.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: "After receiving a 999 call from a male stating he had stabbed his neighbours, officers attended the address, followed closely by authorised firearms officers.

"Upon entering the property, they located a man and a woman with multiple serious injuries, and immediately began first aid and chest compressions in an effort to save the pair’s lives.

"Whilst maintaining the scene outside the property, two officers were approached by the suspect and his father, who was displaying very aggressive behaviour.

"They acted swiftly in arresting the suspect and securing the scene.

"Detective Sergeant Rachel Walls arrived on scene and showed great leadership, taking control and assisting officers to safeguard and remove two children from the property without them witnessing the scene.

"Officers carried out local enquiries and worked through the night to capture pivotal witness accounts, which were instrumental in the investigation that followed.

"The incident, whilst having a significant impact on the family and the community, also had a huge psychological impact on the officers involved, who displayed extreme courage in the face of such a horrifying situation."

*At the awards ceremony last Tuesday (January 24), a total of 31 people received either a Royal Humane Society Award, Chief Constable Commendation or Crown Court Commendation for actions ranging from lifesaving acts of bravery, quick-thinking in dangerous situations, tenacious investigations and relentless desire to protect our communities, there were some true examples of outstanding policing.

A further 35 Avon and Somerset officers and staff were recognised at an awards ceremony the following day celebrating their work with Project Bluestone, a transformative approach to the way investigate rape and sexual offences are investigated.

https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/20218517.collin-reeves-guilty-murder-stephen-jennifer-chapple/