SYP Operational Support

28/08/2026

Determination prevails after assault on officer and police dog 🐶

Working on the frontline means facing the unknown but no officer or canine should ever expect to be assaulted while doing their job.

Earlier this month, on 17 August, a detective carrying out enquiries at a property in High Green in Sheffield was attacked. Sam Rhodes, 35 grabbed her by the neck, threw her to the floor, and fled, leaving her with minor head injuries.

What followed was a display of sheer determination.

As response officers spotted Rhodes running across train lines, trains were halted and a search began by a dog handler and his partner PD Chase.

Rhodes tried everything to escape, running through undergrowth and plunging into nearby streams to flee.

Directed by his handler, PD Chase pursued Rhodes and quickly had him detained by his arm.

Even then Rhodes continued to try his chances at escaping and put his hands round PD Chase’s throat, attempting to strangle him.

Our dogs are driven, determined and even despite Rhodes’ actions, PD Chase held on, and his handler quickly had him in handcuffs.

The determination of officers to protect and serve their communities and victims is unwavering.

Photographed is PD Chase 🐶

25/08/2026

Tyre thieves stopped in their tracks

A van suspected of committing theft from HGVs in Leicestershire was brought to a stop in South Yorkshire and two men were arrested.

Over the weekend, on Sunday 23 August, after using a stop stick to deflate the vehicle’s tyres, we stopped the van near to Junction 31 of the M1.

As it came to a stop, one man was quickly arrested, and another tried his chances on foot but was arrested by a dog handler a short distance away.

As we searched the vehicle, we found HGV tyres, evidence consistent with the reports, and further checks showed that the van was also reported stolen from the West Yorkshire area.

The men were arrested and taken to custody.

08/08/2026

UPDATE: Delays expected on the M1, M18 and M62

On Sunday (9 August) we will be es**rting another large slow moving abnormal load from the M1 junction 28 to Goole docks.

The load will move off at 5pm from junction 28 and travel M1 north, then M18 north towards the M62. This load can only move at 20mph so it is anticipated that it will take us a few hours to reach the M18/M62 intersection.

The load will leave and re-join the motorway at junctions 2 and 6 as it is too heavy to use the over bridges, so delays can be expected around these areas.

At around 9pm, the M62 west bound entry slip road from the M18 will be closed and all traffic will be diverted east. The load will then travel contraflow on the M62 and leave at junction 36 for the A161. We will then es**rt it along the A161 to Goole docks.

If you think this will affect your journey in any way, please plan ahead and leave at an earlier time or use another route. We cannot move this load at any other time as we need a clear view around and above it throughout its journey, and we must stick to access times at the docks.

Please pay attention to any instructions our officers or other agencies are giving as this is for everyone’s safety.

28/07/2026

DELAYS – ARENA SQUARE, SHEFFIELD, 9PM, WEDNESDAY 29 JULY

On Wednesday 29 July, we will be es**rting a convoy of three oversized loads into the new Forgemasters site at Sheffield.

The loads will be leaving Immingham docks at 7pm and we expect to be at the M1 junction 34 Tinsley at around 8.30 to 9pm. We will be travelling A180 – M180 – M18 – M1.

Due to the width of the loads, we will only allow traffic to pass if safe to do so, therefore you may get stuck in tailbacks.

When we leave the M1 at Tinsley, the convoy will travel along Attercliffe Common towards Arena Square. Once we reach this point our officers will be stopping traffic in all directions to allow the loads to reverse contraflow onto Broughton Lane as they are too long to make the normal right turn at the roundabout. Once safe, the loads will move off towards Carbrook Street, and we will then close this road to allow them to reverse into the site.

The Arena Square closure will cause delays as we need it to be completely clear of all traffic to minimise any risks to the public or other motorists. Please use another route or set off earlier if you think that this will in any way affect your journey.

We are aware of the event that is taking place at the arena.

We often get comments asking why we move these large loads at particular times of the day and on the routes we travel. The es**rting of abnormal loads takes months to plan and involves many organisations who all must agree on the route and the timeframe to move.

Other factors also dictate what we do including traffic management, the removal of traffic lights and bollards and planned arrival times to get the items into the site to unload.

This time we are es**rting a large overhead crane system. Each load is 50 metres long, 4 metres wide and weighs 120 tonnes, so, our convoy will be almost 180 metres long with all the other vehicles that are involved.

Please give your full attention to our teams if they give out directions asking you to stop or divert. These manoeuvres should only take us around 15 to 20 minutes, so please be patient while we assist getting the loads safely to the destination.

22/07/2026

DELAYS – ARENA SQUARE, SHEFFIELD, 9PM (THURSDAY 23 JULY)

On Thursday 23 July we will be es**rting a convoy of three oversized loads into the new Forgemasters site at Sheffield.

The loads will be leaving Immingham docks at 7pm and we expect to be at the M1 junction 34 Tinsley around 8.30 to 9pm. The convoy will then travel along Attercliffe Common towards Arena Square.

Once we reach this point, our officers will be stopping traffic in all directions to allow the loads to reverse contraflow onto Broughton Lane as they are too long to make the normal right turn at the roundabout. Once safe, the loads will move off towards Carbrook Street and we will then close this road to allow them to reverse into the site.

The Arena Square closure will cause delays as we need it to be completely clear of all traffic to minimise any risks to the public or other motorists.

Please use another route or set off earlier if you think that this will in any way affect your journey. We are aware of the event that is taking place at the arena.

We often get comments asking why we move these large loads at particular times of the day and on the routes we travel. The es**rting of abnormal loads takes months to plan and involves many organisations who all must agree on the route and the timeframe to move. Other factors also dictate what we do including traffic management, the removal of traffic lights and bollards, and planned arrival times to get the items into the site to unload.

This time we are es**rting a large overhead crane system. Each load is 50 metres long, four metres wide and weighs 120 tonnes, so, our convoy will be almost 180 metres long with all the other vehicles that are involved.

Please give your full attention to our teams if they give out directions asking you to stop or divert. These manoeuvres should only take us around 15 to 20 minutes, so please be patient while we assist getting the loads safely to the destination.

20/07/2026

Welcoming new dogs to the frontline 🐶

We’re ‘paws-itively’ thrilled to welcome two new police dogs to our frontline, with their handlers ready to take the lead in more ways than one.

With skills, instincts, and a wealth of policing experience, the handlers and dogs aren’t just joining the team, they’re bringing a new level of capability.

After being put through their paces at our dog training school, General Purpose Dogs Pip and Odin are already working across South Yorkshire serving their communities. PD Odin detained a fleeing shoplifter in the first of his shifts!

Both dogs are Belgian Malinois and during a 13-week course have been taught how to detain suspects and how to help find missing people and property.

The contribution our dogs bring to the frontline and teams across policing is invaluable, but behind every focused and determined dog is a handler who directs the operation.

Using behavioural insight, searching strategies and calm and tactical decision making, the handlers guide their dog’s movement, and determine how they enter a search area, pick up a scent trail or detain a suspect.

In every deployment, it is a handler’s skill, judgement and the incredible bond and loyal relationship they build with their dog that turns a dog’s natural talents into effective frontline policing.

We wish the handlers and PDs Pip and Odin the best of luck in their careers! Keep following for updates on their progression.

Photographed left to right is PD Odin and PD Pip.

10/07/2026

Drunk driver jailed for his selfish actions

On the 22 June, Ardil Iqbal from Sheffield got behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of alcohol, while disqualified from driving and without insurance.

💥 Drink driving is not acceptable. It kills; it’s a fact. These decisions by Iqbal could have led to innocent people losing their lives.

At around 4.40am, roads policing officers on patrol sighted Iqbal driving a black Mercedes at excessive speed along the Sheffield Parkway and narrowly missing a central reservation while swerving across lanes.

After stopping Iqbal, officers quickly noticed he was slurring his words and smelled of alcohol.

Iqbal admitted to consuming an alcoholic drink and was requested to blow into a breathalyser.

He blew 87, with the legal limit being 35. He was taken to custody where he became obstructive refusing to further provide and provided false details.

Further checks on him highlighted he was a disqualified driver and had no insurance.

Iqbal, 35 of Stafford Road was remanded in police custody and sent straight to Sheffield Magistrates’ Court the following day. After pleading guilty he appeared before the same court on 7 July for sentencing.

He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, disqualified from driving for three years and eight months and ordered to pay £239 in fees.

We’re urging you to help us create safer roads. Have a conversation, raise awareness, spread the zero-tolerance for people losing their lives because of other’s selfish actions, and if you believe someone is drink driving, report it.

02/07/2026

PDs Eddie and Chase cooling off 💦

PD Eddie is training in body recovery and PD Chase is a General Purpose Dog, trained in detaining suspects and finding people and property.

Combined with a dog handler's training, their contribution to policing on the frontline is invaluable.

During their rest days, our dogs continue to live at home with their handlers, who ensure they live life to the full!

PDs Eddie and Chase love nothing more than a swim in the Peak District to cool off and reset, ready for their next shifts 💥🐾

23/06/2026

Officers’ efforts lead to a new life for neglected dog 🐶

Two dogs have been given a new lease of life after officers stepped in during a 999 call.

Glickle, a Yorkshire Terrier and Squirtle, a Chihuahua are now showcasing how love and care has transformed their life, with their previous owner now disqualified by court from owning dogs.

Last year, on 8 February 2025, officers responded to an emergency in Thorne, Doncaster.

While responding, the welfare of two dogs within the property became apparent to officers and after the emergency had resolved, their efforts turned to getting the dogs veterinary treatment and care.

The dogs were seized, taken into kennel care and fostered by staff and an investigation by our Dog Legislation Team was launched.

With the correct diet, love care and attention the dogs began to thrive, and have both secured new homes to continue their new lives.

The owner of the dogs, 32-year-old Annabella Urijnawrita was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and appeared at Doncaster Magistrates’ Court last week (16 June) and was sentenced to 20 days rehabilitation, disqualified from owning dogs for five years and fined £120. The judge also granted a deprivation order for Glickle and Squirtle, meaning they can continue to thrive in their new homes.

20/05/2026

Some of our fi****ms officers who will be receiving a bravery award this week.

Have a read of how they responded to an incident that saved a woman's life.

We're incredibly proud 💙

Four officers who saved a woman’s life after she was hit by a train have won South Yorkshire Police Federation Bravery Awards.

Looking Forward To Our 2026 Awards - on Thursday... and delighted to be revealing our first winners.

On the morning of 12 August 2024, fi****ms officers PC Christopher Bell, PC Ben Hawley (pictured right), PC Carl Holden (pictured left) and a colleague responded to an emergency incident at Doncaster Station, where a woman was critically injured when she was hit by a train.

The officers arrived at the station and were faced with a busy platform of commuters, including several who had watched the horrific incident unfold.

PC Hawley said: “We ran past ambulance and fire services on the platform. I just shouted to Transport: ‘This line off? Are we safe to get down?’. Ultimately there was a lady under the train and she was still alive. So we've got to get on to that and deal with it.”

Working as a team, the officers climbed down onto the track with first aid equipment. PC Holden, PC Bell and PC Hawley all assisted in applying tourniquets to the woman's legs - luckily, fi****ms officers receive advanced training in techniques such as using tourniquets.

PC Bell, PC Hawley and his colleague then crawled under the train to offer further support to the woman, who also had further serious injuries.

PC Bell recalled: “I had to take my stab vest off to get under the train. My colleague was already under there, and then we manoeuvred up towards the woman together, leaving Ben and Carl continuing to try and finish the tourniquets on her legs. When we got to the top she was conscious, but you could tell she'd got a head injury and at that point we were continuing to check her rest of her body, because we didn't know what other injuries she'd got.

“It was surprising that she was conscious and talking. She could tell us her name, but was massively in shock. The paramedic arrived and gave us instructions, but ultimately he said he couldn't deal with her under the train. We only had about 1ft clearance above our heads, so Ben came in from the other side and the three of us moved her inch by inch so we could support her head.”

The woman was taken to hospital, and NHS surgeons who treated the woman contacted police to say that "without the officers' intervention, the woman's life would have been lost".

PC Bell said: “That was nice to hear. I've got 20 years in the job, and you very rarely get recognition, you don't really expect to hear anything back afterwards.”

When he heard they were receiving Federation Awards, PC Bell said: “We were completely surprised. Last year, we received Royal Humane Society Awards, so it was a bit of a surprise to actually find out that we were getting something else.”

PC Hawley said that receiving a Federation award was “humbling”, adding: “It just reassures you that, despite all the negativity that's out there about policing, we do some really good things.”

South Yorkshire Police Federation Chair Steve Kent said: “This was a truly harrowing incident, and the four officers took a personal risk in climbing under the train, but they realised the woman needed immediate first aid. They showed true courage, professionalism and dedication that day, and they succeeded in saving the woman’s life.”

PC Bell, PC Holden and PC Hawley will attend the South Yorkshire Police Federation Bravery Awards 2026 on Thursday 21 May.

At the event an overall winner will be announced who will travel to London for the National Police Federation Bravery Awards in July.

The South Yorkshire Police Federation Bravery Awards are in association with the National Police Healthcare Scheme.

Also sponsoring the Awards are Uniform Mortgages, Philip Williams, Niche, Police Mortgages, Serve and Protect Credit Union, Police Friendly, Irwin Mitchell, Accord, Far and Wide Mortgages, No1 CopperPot, Taylor Law and the South Yorkshire Police Group Insurance Scheme.