‘Thank you for rescuing me!’ Brave Helen steps in to stop attack in York city centre

A brave security guard stepped in to stop a violent attack in York – then helped get the perpetrators arrested.

Helen Moynihan, a security professional for Eboracum UK Ltd, was staffing one of the barriers designed to prevent hostile vehicle attacks on the York Christmas market when the incident happened last week.

Two people, said by witnesses to be drunk, launched a violent, unprovoked attack on an innocent visitor.

Without thinking of her own safety, Helen physically intervened and the perpetrators fled the scene.

She then gave the victim first aid, and was soon joined by other Eboracum first aiders and security colleagues. Helen reassured the victim and arranged immediate help for him.

But that wasn’t the end of the story.

Soon afterwards, Helen spotted the alleged perpetrators, leading to their swift arrest by police.

Helen later got a note from the victim saying: “Thank you for coming to my assistance, thank you for rescuing me.

“That was extremely brave. Thank you for your kindness. You are amazing!”

Director at Eboracum Carl Nickson said: “Incidents like this are horrendous.

“It fills me with so much pride to know that one of our team members took immediate action to protect the public, and follow up with further support.

“Helen was very calm throughout the whole incident. She is a hero who will help anyone in a heartbeat.”