Police officers surprise birthday boy

A two-year-old who has his own model police car and outfit to match got a birthday surprise when Nottinghamshire officers appeared at his birthday celebrations.

Cops from the Broxtowe team, including PC Keith Parkes, heard about Leo’s love for the police and made a surprise visit to the family home in one of the support vans used out on operations. The team were greeted with a police-themed birthday cake as well as balloons in the form of police cars and police helicopters.

Leo got a guided tour around the van on Sunday (5 July 2020) and got to celebrate in the driver’s seat whilst clad in his very own police hat and hi-vis vest.

Leo’s grandmother, Helen Hutchinson, said: “It was an absolute joy to see Leo’s face when he got to explore the police van and meet the officers.

“He is absolutely police mad so I am thrilled that they were able to spare some time to make Leo’s birthday and celebrate with us.”

The team showed Leo around and took photos with him, and were even given cake to take back with them.

PC Parkes said: “It was fantastic to be able to celebrate little Leo’s birthday with him and also enjoy the cakes kindly given to us.

“When we heard about his enthusiasm for the police we just had to find a way to get involved. We happened to also have the van that day so it was the perfect opportunity to pay him a visit and show him around.“Engagement is hugely important for us on the neighbourhood teams and we hope that Leo continues to have this positive view towards policing.

“From all the team at Broxtowe, we hope Leo had a wonderful second birthday and we look forward to seeing where his love for policing will take him.”