CRANBOURNE
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Thursday, 17 March, 2022
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Medal for hero By Marcus Uhe Russell Irwin said he would have no hesitation at the prospect of putting himself in danger again if faced with another case of a neighbour’s home invasion. The 43-year-old boiler maker from Cranbourne was recognised with a Bravery Medal after displaying “considerable bravery” by springing to action after hearing cries for help from over the fence of his home in February last year. He was included in the March Australian Bravery list announced Wednesday 16 March. “When I heard the scream, that was me thinking, ‘someone needs help,’” Mr Irwin recalled. “I didn’t realise that there was an invasion happening. “I just thought, ‘I’m going to take these two numbnuts on.“ After hurdling the fence, Mr Irwin was confronted by two masked men, armed with weapons, who ran towards him demanding to know where money was located. One of the offenders struck Mr Irwin with a baseball bat, splitting his lip, before Mr Irwin grabbed hold of that invader and began dragging him away from the confrontation, using him as a shield as the second man repeatedly hit Mr Irwin with a tomahawk. Despite bleeding heavily, Mr Irwin managed to get clear of the men, who went back inside the house and joined a third invader who was also inside. Concerned for the safety of the residents, Mr Irwin walked towards the house to check on their welfare, but unbeknownst to him, the occupants had escaped. As he got close, two of the armed offenders resumed their attack, forcing him to jump back over the fence, into his own home and out the front door. He saw the offenders walking up the street before one of them turned and pointed a firearm at him and other bystanders before leaving the area. Continued page 3
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS
Bravery Medal winner Russell Irwin at the fence he jumped to assist his neighbour. 272248
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