A TEENAGER has received a police bravery award for rescuing a woman who was being attacked in her home.

Rhys Joseland, 15, of Lockington Crescent, Stowmarket, was walking to school when he heard a girl screaming for help.

The then 14-year-old ran into the home and came across a man who was assaulting a woman.

“Her daughter was shouting ‘can you help please’,” Rhys said.

“I was in shock, I did not know what to do, so I ran over and I went for it.

“He was on the floor, behind her, with his hands around her neck and I got him away.

“I told him to stop it and to let go and he did. I took her downstairs. Everyone was crying – her daughter was crying and her mother was crying as well.

“She was shocked and worried, and she could not really understand what was going on.”

A man was later given a suspended jail term for common assault and causing actual bodily harm.

Chief Constable Simon Ash praised the teenager’s actions, saying: “Rhys was presented with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his heroic and brave actions.

“Without his actions the woman could well have been subject to further assault and more severe injury.”

The Stowmarket High School student has said he now wants to become a police officer.