WHEN they were scrambled to break-up a fight on an Essex street it was just like any other weekend night shift.

But what happened next to the trio of Essex police officers will probably stay with them for the rest of their lives.

They were in Victoria Place, Brightlingsea, when they were flagged down by Ramon Hayward, whose partner Chelsea Nolan was on the verge of giving birth in a nearby communal hallway.

Pc David Wren - helped by colleagues Pc Kirsty Lucas and Sgt Simon Tattersall - delivered baby Annie before paramedics arrived to whisk the new arrival off to Colchester General Hospital.

“After nearly ten years in the job, this is the first time I’ve delivered a baby on duty,” said Pc Wren, a father of three. “It was a fabulous experience being the first to hold the baby as I passed her to mum who was amazing throughout the whole incident.

“One minute we were dealing with a fight and the next we were delivering a baby. It was a surreal moment.”

Chelsea, 20, and baby Annie, who was born weighing 6lb 8oz, are both in good health and have returned home.

“We’re extremely proud of Annie and are extremely grateful to these officers who are our new best friends,” said Chelsea. “We’re not sure what we would have done without them.”

Pc Lucas, 31, said: “Little Annie is gorgeous. I feel privileged to have been part of such a wonderful experience.

“I never imagined that during my tour of duty I would be delivering a baby with my colleagues. I recall telling Chelsea she had given birth to a little girl and the delight in her face was amazing. The experience will live with me forever.”

Sgt Tattersall, 39, said: “Afterwards we drove back to the police station, knowing that we had just been part of something pretty amazing.”

The incident happened around 1am on Saturday, September 8.