A HEROIC police officer who detained a suspect at a murder scene and tried to save the victim’s life is being honoured for his bravery.

PC Ian Murphy was the first officer to arrive on the scene of what he believed to be an assault in Esh Winning, near Durham, in April last year.

The road policing officer discovered a group men - all described as being agitated and intoxicated - trying to get into a locked property.

They were claiming that someone had been stabbed to death inside and the suspect was still present.

Read more: Man arrested after crash on A1(M) near Durham

While trying to hold back the crowd, PC Murphy smashed a window with his baton and detained a blood-covered suspect through the window, holding on until back-up arrived moments later.

Once colleagues were on the scene and able to make arrests, PC Murphy entered the building alone, unsure whether there was anyone else in the premises.

The Northern Echo: David Teague. Picture: DURHAM CONSTABULARY David Teague. Picture: DURHAM CONSTABULARY

Inside, the brave officer found the body of David Teague, a man in his early 30s who had suffered very significant injuries to his head and chest, thought to have been inflicted over a number of hours.

PC Murphy immediately started CPR in an effort to save the Mr Teague’s life, but unfortunately, he did not recover.

A machete was found nearby and Robert Askew was later jailed for life for the murder.

The Northern Echo: Robert Askew. Picture: DURHAM CONSTABULARY Robert Askew. Picture: DURHAM CONSTABULARY

PC Murphy has now been awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation for his courage shown during the incident.

He has also been nominated for a Police Federation Bravery Award.

Durham Police Federation Chair Andy Jackson said: “PC Murphy demonstrated outstanding courage in confronting a dangerous male, with a propensity for extreme violence, who might still have been armed.

“Furthermore, he had to contend with an angry mob, intent on causing the attacker harm, whilst formulating a plan to deal with the situation.

“He entered the address alone, not knowing what danger he might face before additional resources arrived.

“In doing so, he put himself at great risk of potential harm to try to save the life of another.”

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