Heroic pensioner saved police officer from attacker then called for back-up

A pensioner has been hailed for her "outstanding bravery" after she intervened to save a police officer from an attacker.

The woman, in her 70s, was out walking her dog in Darlington, Durham, when she saw a man attacking two police officers.

She tried to grab the attacker's arm while he was repeatedly punching one of the officers in the head.

The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, then called for back-up using one of the police officer's radios, which had fallen from their body armour in the attack.

The incident happened in July 2020 but the pensioner was commended for her actions at Durham Constabulary’s Durham Difference Awards earlier this month.

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The attacker later pleaded guilty to a string of offences, Durham Police said, including assault causing actual bodily harm (ABH), and was jailed for six and a half years.

The awards also recognised a 15-year-old girl who was a key witness in a stabbing in Shildon.

She had an interaction with the suspect, called the police and provided information which proved vital.

The man also received a jail term of six and a half years.

The pensioner and the teenager were both presented with certificates to recognise their bravery at the awards by Chief Constable Jo Farrell.

Temporary Chief Superintendent Richie Allen, said: “These members of the public richly deserve recognition for their selfless and brave actions.

“They have both shown an instinct to protect and help others without a second thought for their own personal safety.

“I would like to thank them on behalf of Durham Constabulary for what they did.”