THREE have-a-go-heroes from Essex were yesterday awarded medals at a national police conference for their outstanding bravery and courage.Paul Reed, 21, of Clacton, was given a silver medal in the Police Provincial Awards for his fearless actions after a post office robbery in St John's Road, Clacton, last August.

By Juliette Maxam

THREE have-a-go-heroes from Essex were yesterday awarded medals at a national police conference for their outstanding bravery and courage.

Paul Reed, 21, of Clacton, was given a silver medal in the Police Provincial Awards for his fearless actions after a post office robbery in St John's Road, Clacton, last August.

Mr Reed wrestled an armed robber to the ground and helped prevent him from making a getaway.

The post office had just opened when two men went in and assaulted the post master before stealing nearly £3,000 in cash.

They then ran off towards their stolen getaway car.

But Mr Reed, together with a few other passers-by, heard the alarm and saw the commotion before chasing after the thieves.

One of the robbers got into a Suzuki Vitara and tried to drive off, but was blocked in by one of the passers-by who had driven his vehicle to block them off.

Mr Reed then tackled into the robber. During the struggle the thief dropped a knife. The police arrived shortly afterwards.

The two robbers were sentenced to a combined total of 10 years in jail at Chelmsford Crown Court for robbery, theft and possession of an offensive weapon.

Teenagers Robyn Aldrich, 17, and Sarah Bishop, 16, of Chelmsford, were also awarded silver medals at the ceremony in Birmingham.

The pair stepped in to prevent a woman becoming seriously injured during a violent domestic assault in Chelmsford last October.

Their story began late at night when the pair were walking along High Street. They saw a woman being repeatedly attacked by a man.

For nearly an hour the two girls followed the man and woman across the town centre.

During this time, many late-night revellers and other pedestrians and motorists ignored the repeated violent actions of the man.

On each occasion, the girls intervened in order to prevent any further attack. The police were eventually called and the man arrested.

Their courage and evidence led to the man pleading guilty at court just four days later where he received a four-month jail sentence.

His victim was treated for her injuries at hospital, but failed to contact police afterwards.

Both girls also receive a £100 financial reward for their bravery and courage.

The Provincial Police Awards, introduced by the Association of Chief Police Officers, recognise the outstanding acts of bravery or meritorious devotion to civic duty by members of the public in their support of the police.