Police officers commended by chief

POLICE officers who went to the rescue of a woman held at knifepoint by a murderer on the run from prison were yesterday awarded for their actions.

Sgt Sharon Wyatt, Pc David Bishop, Pc Andrew Johnstone, Pc Nicholas Mays, Pc Scott Woods and Pc Amber Hockley were presented with commendation certificates by Essex Police Chief Constable David Stevens.

The officers, who are based in the Tendring Division, were commended for their actions and bravery in securing the arrest of a man in Clacton on April 19, this year.

The man had seized a woman, held a knife to her throat and was dragging her along the street, making threats towards her and the officers.

The officers started to talk to the man and followed him for some distance. Eventually the man stopped, still holding the knife to the woman's throat.

After lengthy discussions, the man gave up the knife. He was arrested and the woman was taken to Colchester General Hospital.

The officers conducted thorough inquiries to establish the identity of the offender who turned out to be a convicted murderer who had escaped from prison this January.

Also commended by Mr Stevens were Matthew Barnard, a member of the public, and Inspector Tony Sale, of Braintree Police, who were praised for their bravery and quick thinking which led to the arrest of an active burglar.

At about 1.20pm, on March 7, this year, Mr Barnard returned to his home, in Gosfield, and noticed that a pane of glass in the front door had been smashed and the door was ajar.

He heard someone moving about upstairs and called out a challenge. A man ran downstairs, forcing him out of the way.

Without concern for his own safety, Mr Barnard grabbed the offender and struggled with him, constantly shouting for help. At one point, the man was on top of him and he said he thought he was going to be hit.

Mr Sale, who lives nearby and was off duty, heard the calls for help, ran to Mr Barnard's aid and arrested the man.