A TOP cop admitted he was “humbled” after being nominated for a Pride of Hartlepool honour.
Superintendent Paul Beddow was put forward for the popular awards after refereeing at a football match where two men sprinted across the pitch.
Paul was officiating at the Greatham versus Manor Old Boys in the Hartlepool Sunday League at The Rec, off Westbrooke Avenue in Hartlepool.
The men were being chased by police officers after a Fiat car was abandoned in Westbrooke Avenue following a short car pursuit.
But they were foiled by Supt Beddow, 46, who grabbed one by his hood and forced him to the ground while players helped catch the other suspect.
Supt Beddow, of Durham Police, and who was previously a detective chief inspector in Hartlepool, said his actions were “only instinct” and he’d done the job he had been used to doing for 20 years.
But his actions have prompted him to be nominated for the Pride of Hartlepool awards where entries have come in thick and fast.
Supt Beddow, who lives in Hartlepool, said: “I am quite shocked. This is totally unexpected, but I am pleased and honoured to be nominated.”
The dad-of-two has been in the police service for more than 20 years.
He is well-known in local football circles after coaching Greatham Under-16s for a number of years.
He qualified as a referee last year.