Tayside heroes honoured by police

William Mills and Phillip Taylor stopped youths attacking a man

A ceremony has taken place to honour police and civilians who have gone beyond the call of duty to help people in the Tayside region.

Police awarded 26 certificates to those who have shown great bravery or public spirit.

They included people who had tackled muggers, given first aid to accident victims or helped officers.

One woman Pc received two awards for the way she dealt with terrifying situations.

Pc Shirley Tindal from Dundee was attacked with a knife during one of the incidents.

She said: "You have to get on, it's part of the job, it's unexpected to get a knife in the head, but it's something that does happen, fortunately not that often in Dundee."

'Dangerous incidents'

William Mills and Phillip Taylor helped fend off a large group of boys and girls who were attacking a man at a bus stop.

Mr Mills, 48, from Carnoustie, said: "I didn't really think about my safety, it was more of just stop this man getting a complete hiding.

"There were far too many youths against him."

Mr Taylor, 46, from Dundee, told BBC Scotland why he stepped in.

He said: "It could've been somebody's dad, somebody's granddad. He was an old man."

Postman Darren Moore, 28, from Dundee, chased a robber through the streets, while on the phone to police letting them know what was happening.

He said: "It wasn't until after, then you start thinking, 'maybe I shouldn't have really done that', but if I hadn't he would've got away with it, so I'm glad I did."

Tayside Chief Constable John Vine told BBC Scotland: "It's tremendous to see the dedication of my own police officers, as well as to recognise the achievements of members of the public who've come to the assistance of the police.

"There's such a variety of incidents that we've recognised, many of them dangerous incidents involving people with knives etc, and where officers have put their lives at risk.

"So it's an honour to recognise their achievements."