PC from Oswestry wins bravery award for saving man and stopping knife attacker - with video

PC Kimberley Morris was named as the Region 3 (Midlands) winner at the 23rd national Police Bravery Awards in London last night.

PC Morris was only in her second week of independent patrol when she was called to a disturbance and potential assault.

Arriving at the scene in Westfaling Street, Hereford, PC Morris and a colleague were met with an hysterical woman on a driveway who was covered in blood.

Alex Gale, of West Mercia Police, said: "PC Morris could see bloody handprints on the door and the outside wall of the house, while the woman screamed that 'he' was dying but that the assailant had fled.

"PC Morris entered the house to find another man kneeling in front of the first and holding something up to a bloody and gaping neck wound. The man in the chair was drifting in and out of consciousness."

PC Morris was said to have quickly realised that the second man was the attacker and that the weapon used in the assault – a herb cutter – was left discarded on the kitchen floor.

She had to help the victim, a 60-year-old man, while also keeping the suspected attacker controlled and away from the weapon.

PC Morris administered first aid while she waited for back-up to arrive, all the while keeping the attacker in sight – a feat that placed her in considerable danger.

Once back-up arrived, PC Morris told them she believed the second man was responsible for the attack and he was arrested while she continued to work to save the victim's life.

Hailed

The victim had received an eight-inch gash across his neck which was bleeding profusely.

The assailant, Carl Bennett, 47, was given a nine-year sentence for the attack, at Worcester Crown Court.

West Mercia Chief Constable Anthony Bangham hailed his officer's bravery.

He said: "Kimberley demonstrated a perfect balance of compassion for a victim and bravery to enforce the law. Her courage is rightly being recognised with nomination for such a prestigious national award."

West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion added: "Police officers are ordinary people, doing extraordinary things and Kimberley is a shining example of this. Kimberley ran towards danger in order to keep others safe, and on behalf of all our communities I would like to congratulate her for this courageous and selfless act, and commend her for this well deserved nomination."

PC Morris last night attended a reception and an evening awards ceremony in London at The National Police Bravery Awards, which honours officers who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty.

She said: "I'm overwhelmed and excited at what I've achieved in such a short about of time and really excited to be here."

Calum Macleod, Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: "The courage and professionalism shown by PC Morris went above and beyond the normal call of duty. She showed exceptional bravery, and thoroughly deserves to win this national award. Thank you for your dedication in helping to keep the public safe."

Stephen Mann, CEO of Police Mutual, said: "Over the last 10 years, Police Mutual has been proud to have sponsored such an inspirational event in the policing calendar and for my colleagues and I to be able to show our respect for the exceptional courage shown by police officers who risk their lives every day to protect the public and keep us safe."