A COVENTRY carpenter who bravely saved a man’s life at the roadside has won a coveted West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Outstanding Act of Good Citizenship Award.
Mark Watts was on his way home from a night-shift call-out when he saw a battered and bloodied victim of a knife attack at the side of the Foleshill Road last October.
The 25-year-old from Foleshill selflessly pulled over and rushed to the victim’s aid, providing him with life-saving first aid.
And when his attackers returned, he managed to ‘calm things down’ and get the victim to safety in the back of his van – all while recording vital evidence which he handed across to police.
Describing his surprise at winning the award, the Whitefriars Housing employee said: “It was just so nice to win the special award – I can’t believe it. I think I’m still in shock.
“I just couldn’t drive past and leave him – other people were but I couldn’t do that, I’d want someone to help me or a member of my family if the tables were turned.
“It was a really hectic situation but I’m proud of myself for stopping: it was the right thing to do.
“When I stopped, he was heading for the ground and who knows how it would have ended if they had caught up with him again.”
Congratulating Mark on his bravery, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson said: “The awards are our chance to say ‘thank you’ to those people who make the West Midlands a better place.
“Mark’s actions were incredibly brave – there’s not many people who would stop and do that.
“His fearless and quick-thinking actions not only saved the victim’s life but also resulted in an arrest.
“He is a true community hero.”
