Policewoman wins bravery award

David Blunkett was at the awards ceremony in London

A police officer from the Durham force has been named the bravest in the north-east of England at an annual awards ceremony.

Sergeant Sue Robinson, 30, disarmed a drunken gunman who had been threatening motorists and members of the public.

The offender refused to drop his gun as instructed and continued waving his firearm at oncoming cars as he wandered along the Shotton to Haswell Road in Durham.

Vehicles had to swerve to miss him and avoid the gun, and he told the sergeant he would "blow her head off".

For her actions in disarming him, she was presented with her prize at the Police Bravery Awards, which are organised by the Police Federation and were attended by Home Secretary David Blunkett.

The honour followed a reception at 10 Downing Street where she met the Prime Minister, along with 50 other nominees from forces throughout England and Wales.

'Remarkable courage'

Sergeant Robinson was among eight regional winners at the ceremony staged to recognise officers who put themselves at risk of death or serious harm whilst performing their duties.

Ignoring the danger, the then-constable told motorists to keep moving to prevent someone being killed, and repeated demands for the gunman to drop the weapon.

When he paused due to oncoming traffic, she sprayed him with CS gas and forced him to the ground.

With the help of a motorist, the officer restrained and disarmed the defendant, who was found to be carrying a knife as well as the gun.

The offender was found to have 19 previous convictions, including seven for firearms offences. He later appeared at Teesside Crown Court and was sentenced to three years' imprisonment.

Jan Berry, chairman of the Police Federation, said: "In spite of the danger to her own life, she put the safety of the public above her own and displayed remarkable courage and professionalism."