FIVE officers who overpowered man on violent rampage in a quiet North-East village have been nominated for a national police bravery award.

During the terrifying episode in Thornley, near Peterlee, County Durham, the man seriously hurt a number of people in unprovoked attacks – including one of the officers, whose bicep was torn from the bone as he tried to restrain him.

Sergeant David Wells, PC Gary Barnes, PC Michael Craggs, PC Aimee Crawford and PC Norman Jubb of Durham Constabulary rushed to the scene after reports the man had attacked a number of people, including his own father, in May last year.

They found him at his girlfriend's house, where he he armed himself with a hammer and a piece of broken glass when he saw them.

As a cordon was placed around the perimeter of the house, he threatened the officers and walked into his girlfriend's house and held her young child up to the window.

Without warning, he came out of the house screaming and ran directly towards the officers and launched himself towards PC Jubb.

Officers said the violence that followed was the worst they had had experienced in their police careers.

The man aimed punches at all of the officers, hitting PC Crawford in the face and also striking Sgt Wells, PC Craggs and PC Barnes.

PC Jubb managed to hold the offender in a bear hug grip, allowing officers to handcuff him with two pairs of handcuffs. Such was the resistance while in the bear hug that, the bicep from PCs Jubb’s left arm was torn from the bone.

Andy Jackson, Durham Police Federation Chairman, said: “Every single day police officers put themselves in harm's way for the safety and protection of others.

“This was demonstrated when the five nominated Durham Police officers dealt with this particularly violent individual, who was suffering from mental health problems.

“Each officer displayed great courage in tackling this violent man and I have no doubt that their prompt actions prevented an already serious incident from escalating further.

“All of the officers went above and beyond the call of duty to protect the public and they are a credit to the service and the public they serve.”

Police Mutual chief executive Stephen Mann said: “Every day, police officers across the country face incredibly difficult and dangerous situations, acting with real heroism to protect the lives of others. "All of the officers nominated for an award have shown great dedication to their duty and remarkable courage.

"Police Mutual is honoured to continue our sponsorship of the Police Bravery Awards for the sixth consecutive year and we give our sincere thanks to the men and women who keep us all safe.”