Two police officers who tackled a knife-wielding man in March have been crowned the eastern region winners of a national bravery award.

Cambs Times: PC Pete Moulton and PC Janine Hagger will attend a reception at 10 Downing Street after bravery commendationPC Pete Moulton and PC Janine Hagger will attend a reception at 10 Downing Street after bravery commendation (Image: Archant)

PC Pete Moulton and PC Janine Hagger attended the annual Police Bravery Awards in London last night and had their efforts commended by Home Secretary Theresa May.

On November 1 last year they were called to concerns for a woman in Dagless Way, March. On arrival they were confronted by a man who had armed himself with a Stanley Knife.

He ran from the two officers, who chased him and tried to arrest him.

The attacker assaulted both officers. During the incident he used a garden fork, a large saw, a variety of kitchen implements and a pair of garden shears.

Despite sustaining injuries, the officers were prepared to tackle and contain the attacker for a considerable length of time.

A number of officers then attended the incident and the man was eventually restrained.

The man pleaded guilty earlier this year and was jailed for four years.

Liz Groom, deputy chairman of Cambridgeshire’s Police Federation, said: “Despite the danger they were in and after both sustaining injuries, the officers persisted in trying to contain this extremely violent man who armed himself with several weapons in a residential area. They showed enormous courage, determination and bravery and are a credit to the force.”

Oz Merrygold, Cambridgeshire Police Federation secretary, said: “This was a particularly violent incident, in which a man had quite incredible strength and overcame spray, batons and two officers.

“Every crime involving a weapon is potentially lethal and both of these brave officers put their own lives on the line to disarm this man.

“Their actions in clearing children from a play area showed speed of thought and professionalism and their courage reminds of the difficult work officers do 24/7, day in and day out.”

Home Secretary Theresa May said: “We must never forget the incredible risks and dangerous situations that police officers and staff face, every day, so that we – the general public – don’t have to.

“This year’s nominees acted decisively and heroically to save others from harm, in situations that most of us can only begin to imagine, and which put their own safety in jeopardy.”

She added: “Their actions stand as examples to us all, and to all in policing. It is only right that their tremendous valour is honoured in this way.”

Two West Midlands Police constables and a Metropolitan Police constable have been named as joint overall winners at this year’s national Police Bravery Awards.

The West Midlands officers disarmed a mentally ill man who had stabbed three worshippers at a Birmingham mosque, were declared joint winners along with PC Winston Mugarura, from the Metropolitan Police, who confronted a group of ten during vicious attack on man in Charing Cross, London.

The pair were presented with the overall winner award by Home Secretary Theresa May at a ceremony in central London attended by senior figures from government and chief constables from around the country.

Home Secretary Theresa May said: “We must never forget the incredible risks and dangerous situations that police officers and staff face, every day, so that we – the general public – don’t have to.

“This year’s nominees acted decisively and heroically to save others from harm, in situations that most of us can only begin to imagine, and which put their own safety in jeopardy.

“Their actions stand as examples to us all, and to all in policing. It is only right that their tremendous valour is honoured in this way.”

Steve White, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “This year’s winners of the Police Bravery Awards show the outstanding commitment and courage the police officers involved showed in putting the lives of others before their own. Their incredible acts of selflessness and instinctiveness to run towards danger, is a reminder to us all of the challenges police officers face every day in their line of work, and we herald them for their immense bravery and resolve.”

Stephen Mann, CEO, Police Mutual, said: “The heroic acts carried out in policing these incidents not only led to arrests, but prevented more harm being caused. Police Mutual is extremely honoured to sponsor the Police Bravery Awards and celebrate the dedication and commitment of our most courageous officers. We thank you wholeheartedly for keeping us safe.”

Regional winners of the Police Bravery Awards 2015:

•Gwent

Two Gwent Police constables have won a regional Police Bravery Award for saving eight people from a house fire in Newport.

PC Rhiannon Hurst and PC Owen Davies were confronted with a three storey end of terrace property which was well ablaze. It was a chaotic scene with the ambulance service already in attendance.

•Hertfordshire

A Hertfordshire Police constable has won a prestigious regional Police Bravery Award after chasing down a pair of armed gunmen who had kidnapped and threated to kill another man.

PC Christopher Kouwenberg was shot at ‘at least five times’ while pursuing one of the suspects on foot, moved an elderly bystander to safety and ultimately rescued the kidnap victim who was tied up in the back of the car and had a gun put to his head.

•Merseyside

A Merseyside Police constable who disarmed and arrested a robber armed with a handgun has won a prestigious regional Police Bravery Award.

PC Paul Kirwin wrestled the handgun off the man who was pointing it at terrified shop staff and managed to handcuff and, with the help of a colleague, arrest him.

•Metropolitan 3

A Metropolitan Police constable who confronted a group of ten during a vicious attack on a man in Charing Cross, London, while off duty has been presented with the regional Police Bravery Award for London.

•Northumbria

A Northumbria Police officer who helped save lives during an explosive road accident while he was off-duty has been awarded a prestigious regional bravery award.

PC Rob Ford pulled a woman from her car moments before it burst into flames after repeatedly returning to the smoking car to pull her free.

•West Midlands

Two West Midlands Police constables who disarmed a mentally ill man who had stabbed three worshippers at a Birmingham mosque have won a prestigious regional Police Bravery Award.

PC Adam Koch suffered wounds to his chest and stomach after a man lunged at him with a commando-style knife while PC Jean Stevens disarmed and arrested him.

The awards ceremony and Downing Street reception recognises and honours officers who have risked death and serious harm to protect the public.