Award for man who faced swordsman

A Berkshire man has been given a national police bravery award after he cornered a man who was chasing two police officers with a samurai sword.

George Black, of Slough, used his car to distract the man, who then attacked the vehicle with his sword.

This gave officers the opportunity to overpower the man. The incident happened in Cippenham Lane in Slough in November 2007.

Mr Black has now been honoured by the Association of Chief Police Officers.

I found myself in a bit of a situation and I just helped contain it, that's all George Black Bravery award recipient

He was awarded a certificate of commendation as part of the association's National Police Public Bravery Awards.

He said: "Instinct comes into play because you know if somebody doesn't do something it's going to end up dirty.

"I'm looking at him and thinking this guy is going to get himself shot. He is more of a danger to himself than to anybody else.

"I'm in a big steel box, the coppers are some distance away and I felt this is going to escalate if it's not brought to a close.

"As he drew up close to the car I put my foot down, turned the vehicle in and tried to pin him between the wall and the car, without killing him obviously.

"I found myself in a bit of a situation and I just helped contain it, that's all."

Det Con Terry Griffiths, of Thames Valley Police, said: "His actions stopped people from getting hurt.

"It was an incredibly tense situation and his actions stopped the problem from escalating."

The armed man later pleaded guilty to affray, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon and was sentenced to 20 months in prison in May last year.