THREE police officers who tackled a gunman in a life-or-death struggle have been honoured for their bravery.

PCs Sarah Currie and Michael Otterson, together with Sergeant Elliott Richardson, were overall winners of the national Police Bravery Awards at the Dorchester Hotel in London last night.

The three officers were on duty in Gateshead when they answered a call from a community nurse concerned for a patient with a history of violence, schizophrenia and paranoia.

The officers followed the man to a pub but, as PCs Currie and Otterson opened the door, they were confronted by a man in the foyer holding a firearm.

A lengthy and violent struggle ensued as they tried to stop him from aiming the gun at them.

They were quickly joined by Sgt Richardson and the struggle continued; during which a shot was fired. Eventually, after a sustained struggle and the help of a member of the public in the premises, the man was eventually overpowered and disarmed.

When his bag was searched they found two handguns, a crossbow, a pack of throwing knives, home-made petrol bombs, smoke grenades and a baseball bat inside.

Chief Constable Steve Ashman, who joined the officers at last night’s ceremony, said: “I am very proud of each of the officers for the outstanding bravery they have shown.

“A dangerous man intent upon causing serious harm was successfully detained by unarmed officers determined to protect communities and their colleagues.

“This highlights with unmistakable clarity the courage of each of them as they literally fought for their lives.

“They may well view what they did as little other than their duty, it was much more than that and it speaks volumes about their individual character.

“It is both humbling and uplifting to be in their company, they are true heroes in every sense of the word.”

Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird QC added: “These officers entered a dangerous situation and used their skills and bravery to ensure the safety of local residents “Northumbria is rightly proud of Sarah, Michael and Elliott, they deserve this recognition and are an inspiration to colleagues across the country”.

Inspector Jim Gray, chairman of Northumbria Police Federation, added: "These brave officers thought they were fighting for their lives in what was an incredibly dangerous and volatile situation and we are lucky to have officers who fought so hard to ensure not only the safety of the public, but their own.”