TWO special police constables have been praised after tackling a man armed with a knife.

Mark Dyas, 34, was on his first nightshift as a special when he and colleague, Dave Nicholson, 42, were called out to a domestic dispute.

When they arrived at the house, in Stockton, they heard screams and, fearing someone's life was in danger, went inside.

"We were told by the man's mother to go into the kitchen, which was the worst place for him to be," said Mr Nicholson, a special constable for 11 years.

The specials told how they tackled the man, who was holding a kitchen knife, with CS spray.

Mr Nicholson said: "It was just lucky no one, including the man himself, was hurt.

"At the time, fear didn't come into it but later on, at home, you sit and go through the whole thing again."

Mr Dyas said: "Talk about a baptism of fire. First time out I wasn't expecting that to happen. Thankfully, they train us very well."

Speaking after the incident, which happened at about 8pm on Wednesday, Detective Sergeant Alastair Simpson, of Stockton CID, said: "These two officers dealt with an extremely difficult situation very well, showing considerable courage to overpower a man who was armed with a knife.

"They deserve a great deal of credit for what they have done and should be commended for their bravery.

"This was Mark's first experience of night duty, which turned out to be a baptism of fire and a night he will never forget, but his training, which is designed to prepare him for any eventuality, helped him handle the situation well.

"But for the pair's quick thinking and prompt action this situation could have been a lot more serious," he added.

Stockton police have 20 special police constables, who wear protective body armour.

* A 17-year-old youth was last night charged with attempted murder following the incident. He is due to appear before magistrates today.