Two police officers who confronted a large dog that fatally attacked a 10-year-old boy have been commended for their bravery. Sergeants Isabelle Coulson and Ross Phillips were among the first to attend the scene of a Caerphilly house where an XL Bully killed Jack Lis.
Jack was at a friend's house in Penyrheol, Caerphilly, in November 2021 when the 43.7kg dog named Beast mauled him. A Police Federation spokesperson said: "Thinking quickly, PS Coulson and PS Phillips acted with the utmost bravery and devised a plan to enter the property. While PS Coulson distracted the dog PS Phillips was able to enter the house and attend to Jack.
"The dog however tried to escape from the property but PS Phillips managed to keep the dog inside, protecting other members of the public who were outside. PS Phillips managed to get Jack outside and away from the dog but tragically found that Jack had died from his injuries."
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Beast was shot dead by armed police. Brandon Hayden, 19, of Penyrheol, was locked up for four and a half years while Amy Salter, 29, of Trethomas, was jailed for three years after both admitted to being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog. The dog was not a banned breed in the UK but Jack's mum Emma has called for stricter dog laws to protect people.
Sergeants Coulson and Phillips have been nominated ahead of the National Police Bravery Awards 2023. Gwent Police Federation chairman Matthew Candy said: “The brave actions undertaken by both officers show their complete selflessness and dedication to their roles as police officers. Both Isabelle and Ross acted professionally in such dreadful circumstances and they did all they could to preserve life. They showed compassion and care for the victim but also did all that they could to protect the public and their colleagues on who attended this tragic incident. On behalf of our federation branch I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Jack's family and friends.”
Assistant chief constable Mark Hobrough, of Gwent Police, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of Jack who sadly died as a result of this harrowing and shocking case which has left a huge impact on our communities. Both of these sergeants showed outstanding bravery. Their actions exemplify the character and professionalism of officers across the country who place themselves into dangerous or life-threatening situations. Isabelle and Ross are both a credit to policing and I would like to congratulate them, on behalf of Gwent Police, for their nomination.”
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