TWO police officers from Teignmouth were among the more than 50 award winners at a recent ceremony celebrating officers, staff and volunteers working in South Devon.

Sergeant Abigail Bratcher and Police Constable Robbie Mangham from the Teignmouth neighbourhood team have received praise after supporting their colleagues throughout a particularly challenging shift with several competing significant incidents occurring.

The pair were managing the scene of a vehicle collision when a further report was received involving a man with a knife.

The pair risk assessed the incidents to ensure both had appropriate police attention.

They moved towards the man who was making threats with a knife inside a petrol station shop.

After a brief foot chase and challenge with a taser they successfully detained and searched the man and seized the knife.

The man was arrested with no harm caused to the public, the police officers or the suspect himself.

Joined by family, friends and colleagues, recipients from various departments were recognised by senior leaders for going above and beyond in their duties at a ceremony in Torquay.

More than 50 award winners received commendations for various impressive examples of great bravery in dealing with scenarios such as dangerous situations and lifesaving first aid.

There were also examples of colleagues who were commended for showing ingenuity, such as acting on their own initiative to save thousands of hours of police time by implementing a new way of working or finding new ways to help in crime prevention tactics.

South Devon Police Commander Chief Superintendent, Roy Linden, said:’It was a privilege to thank officers, staff and police volunteers for acting above and beyond to protect the public.

‘From saving lives to delivering complex crime investigations, the awards were given to a range of people who come to work every day to serve others’.