Greater Manchester Police have paid tribute to one of the brave officers who stopped the Arndale knifeman in 2019.
Known affectionately as 'The Dude', PC Mark Wells, 47, came to national prominence as one of the officers who arrested Raphael Chevelleau.
Chevelleau, 43, was sentenced on Monday to an indefinite hospital order after going on a stabbing spree at the Arndale shopping centre in Manchester on Friday, October 11 2019.
READ MORE: How was the Arndale attacker able to buy a kitchen knife used in stabbing rampage for £1.50?
PC Wells, who sadly passed away last year following a battle with illness, was praised in a tweet from GMP thanking the "public, security staff, emergency workers" and officers who rushed to help the victims that day.
The tweet said: "We pay tribute to the public, security staff, emergency workers & our officers who rushed to help the victims that day.
"Especially the actions of PC Mark Wells - one of our first officers on-scene to detain the attacker. He sadly passed away last year but will not be forgotten."
Although he was not named at the time, PC Wells was the officer pictured standing over the suspect with a Taser stun gun after five people were hurt.
Following his death, friends and colleagues have now paid tribute to PC Wells describing him as a 'credit to GMP'.
A statement from the Greater Manchester branch of the Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said: "It is with deep regret and sadness that we inform you of the loss of our brave Greater Manchester Police colleague PC Mark Wells following a long illness.
"Mark was an extremely hard working and well-respected police officer, and he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew and worked with him.
"Mark, 47, joined Greater Manchester Police in 2003 and will be remembered for his dedication, professionalism and bravery at all times throughout his career."
Stu Berry, chairman of Greater Manchester Police Federation, said: "I worked with Mark many years ago and he was an excellent police officer.
"He was always enthusiastic, great to work with and had an infectious smile for which he will be remembered.
“I know all of his colleagues will cherish their own personal memories of Mark. I have conveyed our condolences and support to his wife Nicola and our thoughts remain with Nicola and Mark’s family at this extremely sad time."
More than 400 people posted tribute on the federation's Facebook page.
Scott Tea wrote: "RIP Dude. You’ll be missed by so many."
Natalie Swinney said: "Legend of a guy, great cop and taken far too young. RIP Dude, sending love to all your family x."
Ruth Bradley-Holt posted: "That photo totally sums Mark up - what a huge smile and one that he was always wearing, beaming across his face. What a huge sad loss to GMP and his police colleagues. So well respected. Thoughts are with his close family now."
Paying tribute to Mark, Chief Superintendent Wasim Chaudhry, said: "Mark was a popular member of the branch, a team player who supported colleagues on a daily basis, and his loss has had a big impact on all those who knew him.
"Mark continuously demonstrated dedication, professionalism and bravery at all times throughout his career. He placed himself in harm's way to arrest dangerous offenders, to keep our communities across Greater Manchester safe.
"He maintained the highest standards expected of a member of the police service and was a credit to GMP.
“Our thoughts are with Mark's family, friends and colleagues at this extremely sad and difficult time".
