Five police officers receive praise for acts of bravery

PC Dave McNeillie has received a commendation for outstanding bravery after an incident in the village of Oakenshaw, near Crook, when he was confronted by a man carrying a loaded handgun last June.

PC McNeillie and his partner , PC Billie Crampsie, were answering a routine call to reports of a domestic disturbance.

When they arrived at the scene, they were told a man was in one of the houses threatening to shoot a woman and any police officer who attempted to intervene.

PC Crampsie radioed for help and ushered a distraught villager to safety, while PC McNeillie approached the man standing in the drive.

A woman screamed from the house that the man had a gun and PC McNeillie calmly asked twice if this was true.

The man eventually produced the gun and PC McNeillie told the woman to go back inside before the man finally surrendered the weapon.

The 39-year-old officer was presented with his award by Durham Constabulary's Chief Constable George Hedges.

PC Crampsie received a divisional commander's commendation for "great professionalism".

Four Spennymoor police officers have been nominated for national bravery awards after a house fire in the town in February.

Sergeant Simon Trotter and PCs Janette Turnbull, Mark Gill and Andy Metcalfe formed a human chain to rescue mother-of-two Tracey Robson and her 11-month daughter, Sophie.

They arrived at the scene just after Mrs Robson's husband, Bryan, braved choking smoke to save six-year-old daughter Kimberley.

Sgt Trotter and PCs Turnbull and Gill were driven back once by choking fumes. In a second attempt, they reached baby Sophie, who was lying face down in her cot.

They were then joined by PC Metcalfe as they entered the building for a third time to rescue Mrs Robson, who was found unconscious under her bed.

Acting Inspector Gordon Scott said: "The conduct of all four officers was exceptional. I cannot speak too highly of what they did.