A POLICE officer who tackled a mentally unstable gunman in a busy hospital has been praised for her courage.

PC Karen Winter, 37, was officially commended by George Hedges, the chief constable of Durham.

The brave PC, who is based at South Moor in Stanley, had attended the University Hospital of North Durham in February to investigate a drink driving incident in Derwentside.

But within minutes she found herself staring down the barrel of a gun.

She was one of three officers conducting inquiries at the hospital when staff told them that a man was brandishing a handgun in the reception area of Accident and Emergency.

She found the man sitting in reception, passing a silver coloured gun from hand to hand.

PC Winter told him to put down the weapon, but he refused. As she approached, the drunken man pointed the weapon at her.

After a tense few seconds, he lowered the pistol and PC Winter pounced, grabbing the barrel of the gun and disarming the man.

A detailed examination later revealed that the weapon was an imitation .45 revolver. A holster containing imitation bullets was also recovered.

It later emerged that the gunman, who was from Sacriston, was receiving psychiatric treatment at the County Hospital in Durham. After he was assessed by mental health experts, police decided to take no further action against him.

"I just had to assume the gun was real, but to be honest I never thought about my own safety," said PC Winter.

"I told the man several times to put the weapon down before I had a chance to get it off him."

Her bravery was also praised by hospital bosses. Isabel Kellie, acting chief executive of North Durham Health Care NHS Trust, said: "We were very grateful to PC Winter for dealing with this particular incident so well.

"We would like to sincerely congratulate her on her award."

Other officers commended by the chief constable included constables Louise Walton and Greg Dent of Sacriston who arrested a 17-year-old youth armed with a knife and an air pistol.

Sgt Sue Robinson, 32, of Spennymoor was praised for her part in tackling a firearms incident in May, when she was a constable at Peterlee.

The chief constable also commended detective constables Dave Robson and Ian Davies of Easington police for their part in the capture of a man who held up a corner shop in Murton at knifepoint.