TWO Carlisle residents have been recognised for their bravery in reuniting a toddler with her family following a nightmarish kidnapping.

Curtis Goddard and Scott Williamson were announced as silver award winners at the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) annual Police Public Bravery Awards on Thursday evening.

On September 9, 2023, a man entered a property in Thomson Street in the city, assaulted a grandfather, and made off with his granddaughter.

The grandfather tried to follow but felt too unwell after the assault. He shouted for help from people who were nearby.

Mr Goddard and Mr Williamson heard the commotion and immediately carried out a search of the area, and found the child on Howe Street.

The toddler was quickly reunited with her grandfather, with no injuries caused to her.

Police officers located the culprit, Andrzej Jasinski, and arrested him. A court later heard that he claimed that he knew Vladimir Putin and had his DNA in his house, and he made repeated references to Jihad and said he was a king in Poland.

In February 2024, Jasinski was jailed for three years and ten months.

READ MORE: Kidnapper who took two-year-old Carlisle girl branded 'dangerous'

Chief constable Rob Carden, from Cumbria Constabulary, said: "I would like to congratulate both men on their bravery awards. 

"Their selfless and brave actions led to a young child being quickly reunited with her family.

"This national recognition is thoroughly deserved and both men should be proud of themselves for what they did in response to a terrifying ordeal for those involved."

David Allen, Cumbria's police, fire and crime commissioner, said: "Curtis and Scott’s quick thinking and brave actions ensured that a local family didn’t have to go through an even more traumatic event. I can only imagine their relief when Curtis and Scott acted as they did.

"I know the family are incredibly grateful to them.

"I spoke with both Curtis and Scott at the awards ceremony and listened to their, and others, incredible tales of public bravery. What I heard and the ordinary, brave people I met humbled me.

"It is one thing to be a police officer, trained and expected to run towards danger, it is entirely another thing to act selflessly as a member of the public witnessing something truly awful.

"They represent the best of us in that respect and do our county proud.

"I want to congratulate both men, thank you Curtis and Scott – these awards were highly deserved. I am proud to have met you."