Brave Mansfield teen beaten with chain for rescuing woman from carjacker

Mansfield teenager Connor Hall who helped detain a man after he robbed a woman in a car park. He was rewarded for his bravery at a national ceremony.

Connor Hall attended the Public Bravery Awards 2014 at The Swan Hotel in Harrogate yesterday (Thursday 19 June) with his proud mum Zoe to collect the Silver Medal.

In May last year the 18-year-old, then 17, was walking along Regent Street in Mansfield when he intercepted a robber who had grabbed a woman by the throat and tried to take her car.

The man beat Connor with a chain for his efforts, but the brave lad’s actions meant police were able to make an arrest and the offender was jailed for three years.

Connor said: “I heard someone shouting to stop him. It was my natural instinct. Everyone was walking past. I imagined what I would feel like if it had been my mum who was attacked. I just grabbed him.

“My mates have admitted that they wouldn’t have known what to do. They have said well done. Mum shouted at me at first, for putting myself in danger, but that quickly turned to pride.

“I don’t feel like I was brave. It was just a massive adrenaline rush.”

Detective Constable Steve Dunn, of Mansfield CID, said: “Connor is a gutsy young man who was the right person in the right place at the right time. What he did that day was above and beyond expectation and he should be very proud of himself.”

Connor was awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation earlier this year for his actions.

Chief Constable Chris Eyre said: “Connor says he doesn’t think he is brave. I disagree. Extraordinary circumstances reveal extraordinary people and what he did that day was extremely brave. Connor is one of a special few who step up to the mark when needed. That’s a very admirable trait and one that I’m sure will serve him very well in the future.”