A HEROIC teenager who sprang into action when a machete-wielding robber stole a pensioner’s handbag has been hailed a hero by South Yorkshire Police bosses who gave the youngster a rarely-given award for his immense act of bravery.
Evan Blythe, 15, was on his way for his first day at Netherwood Academy when he got off the bus and saw an 80-year-old woman - who was using crutches - being attacked by a man in broad daylight.
But in the ultimate act of bravery, he jumped in the way and tried to stop the attack from continuing.
The attacker fled on foot, followed in pursuit by Evan, before the robber brandished his knife and threatened the youngster.
Officers involved in the case made the rare decision to honour Evan with a Superintendent Commendation Award, something which is reserved for acts of heroism.
Superintendent Mark James told the Chronicle that Evan’s selfless actions were deserving of such an accolade.
“We recognise what Evan did on that day but unlike police, who are often thrust into dangerous situations, this was simply a case of a boy going to school and him witnessing a robbery involving a dangerous man and a defenceless elderly lady.
“It’s very rare that members of the public do what Evan did and he stepped in to protect the victim.
“He then chased him, but showed an enormous amount of common sense when the man responsible threatened him with a knife.
“Instead of engaging, he told the police, who then used CCTV to trace, catch and arrest the person responsible - but all this came from Evan’s actions.
“It is not often that we give awards out to the public, so this is one of those rare-but-deserving cases.
“Both South Yorkshire Police and the Barnsley community are proud of Evan’s brave, calm and logical thinking.”
Craig Muirhead appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to robbery and threatening a person - Evan - with a machete in a public place.
The 43-year-old, of no fixed abode, was remanded in custody ahead of his sentencing at the same court on February 2, 2026.
Evan’s mum, Jess Wilson, added: “It was Evan’s first day at Netherwood and when he rang, he said he’d seen an elderly lady being attacked and he had attempted to stop it.
“He then chased the man responsible but the signal was bad at work so I just kind of told him to hurry up and get to school - I didn’t quite realise the full picture at first.
“I was so panicked when I heard it all - he’s just shown a huge amount of bravery and stepped in to help without even hesitating.
“We’re all so proud of him - the victim made contact with us to thank Evan, too.”
Evan has also been nominated in the Young Superstar category at the Proud of Barnsley awards, due to take place at the Metrodome next Friday.
His dad, Wayne, said: “He didn’t even know there was a knife involved until he started chasing the man and he had it pulled on him.
“He’s very brave and I said that to him.
“But he just said that the victim reminded him of his nan and auntie - they’re a massive part of his life.
“He said that he would want someone to help them if they were in that situation and so he did.
“He’d do it for anybody - it wouldn’t have mattered if they were old or young.
“I’m just so proud of him.
“In this day and age there’s people slagging off young people more than they’re praising them.
“But this shows there are still plenty of good kids about.”
The victim’s family heaped praise on Evan.
A family member, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We are so grateful for what Evan has done.
“He’s such a brave lad.”
