Bravery awards for officers who tackled man brandishing weapon in Much Wenlock

PCs Mark Briscoe and Sian Price from Shrewsbury, Bob Powell and Phil Parke from Malinsgate, and Det Sgt Tony Cleobury from Madeley, enjoyed a reception in Downing Street in recognition of their courage

They were nominated after confronting the man in Much Wenlock in March 2013.

During the stand-off they were threatened by the man but tried to reason with him making themselves, rather than passers-by, the focus of his attention.

Their nomination said: "The officers showed an incredible display of personal courage throughout the incident, and the man was eventually arrested with the aid of a police dog. The weapon was later identified as a blank.

"The arrest of the individual, the protection of the members of the public and the prevention of the situation potentially developing was a result of excellent teamwork and professionalism."

All five officers joined their partners, the Chief Constable David Shaw and West Mercia Police Federation's Chairman Russ Yeomans at the event in London.

Det Sgt Cleobury said: "I'm very proud to be here. It's been an amazing experience, it's been wonderful to be honoured here with all these people who do such a fantastic job.

"Like every other police officer, it is what we do day in, day out. Do police officers go to work thinking this kind of incident might happen? I think you do, but you do not expect to happen.

"So when it does, the team performed fantastically well in this incident. A fantastic team job and I am very proud of all of them. You have no time to think. You just do it from instinct and do it because that's what you do, you serve the public.

"We hate the spotlight. We try to do our job to the best of our ability – fortunately this one came off safely. We are no heroes, we are just everyday people."

The Shropshire officers were among 64 officers from 38 police forces across England and Wales nominated for outstanding bravery awards, which included fire, river rescues and confronting armed offenders.

PC Mark Briscoe said: "It was a really good day, just meeting up with everybody and seeing how many brave police officers there are out there. I don't think this was bravery, the situation presents itself in front of you and you just do it instinctively."

West Mercia Chief Constable David Shaw said: "I am very proud of the five officers nominated for this award. They showed a considerable display of bravery and personal courage to deal with this incident, in order to protect the public and apprehend the individual."