FIVE police officers who risked their lives in the line of duty are to be officially recognised for their courage.

Four of them overpowered and disarmed a drug-crazed teenager who had just killed his friend, while the fifth entered a blazing house to save an elderly man trapped inside.

And now each of them are to be recognised at the 21st Police Bravery Awards at a ceremony next month.

The awards, sponsored by Police Mutual, honour and recognise police officers who performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty.

On an evening last July 19-year-old Sam Donley attacked his friend Liam Miller, stabbing him multiple times with a knife while suffering a drug-induced psychotic episode at a house in York.

When they arrived at the property, Constables Steven Harvey, Martin Scott, Dave Ellison and Alex Gregory were confronted with a horrific scene of trauma and continuing lethal violence.

As they approached the front door they found Donley still brandishing the knife. He then began stabbing himself, while still fighting with extreme aggression.

The officers used bodily force to subdue him, having to use a Taser and incapacitant spray in a small, confined space while still a facing a deadly threat themselves.

However they then provided life-saving first aid to the knifeman until further help arrived. Donley later admitted manslaughter and was sent to prison for six years and eight months.

The chairman of the North Yorkshire Police Federation, Mike Stubbs said: “These officers put themselves at huge risk, confronting an armed offender who had just killed his friend and was extremely violent and dangerous.

“They have shown the finest values of professionalism courage and compassion and their bravery should be commended.”

Constable Jonathan Ryan of Cleveland Police was alerted to a house fire in Greatham on Christmas Day in 2014. The only information he was given was that the elderly man who lived there may have tripped or fallen.

Arriving before the fire service, he managed to force entry into the home and, despite it being filled with smoke, went in where he found the man and brought him out to safety.

The man and PC Ryan were given oxygen at the scene and treated for smoke inhalation.

The chairman of the Cleveland Police Federation, Andrea Breeze said: “If it were not for the actions of PC Ryan, there is a high chance that this man would not have survived.

“This officer put the safety of another person ahead of his own, and that bravery and professionalism should be recognised.”

PC Ryan also received a Chief Constable’s Commendation for Bravery.