TWO police officers from Ludlow have described how they were confronted with a potentially life-threatening situation in the town just over a month ago.

They were among a select group hailed last week as the pride of the constabulary at a West Mercia Police awards ceremony.

Constables Christopher Hollis and Ian Roberts have received bravery awards after being commended for their actions in restraining a distraught woman who was armed with four knives.

They were joined by two Bridgnorth colleagues in receiving a tribute from Shropshire divisional dommander, chief superintendent Peter Wright.

It was for their "bravery and professionalism in dealing with a hostile and dangerous woman armed with knives."

They were called to a house in Henley Road on June 13 by a woman who had already cut her hands and was pointing one knife at her stomach and threatening to stab herself if the police went near.

She became more aggressive and cut herself several times on the leg but the officers were said to have remained calm and professional. They threw her a cigarette and as she turned to retrieve a lighter they moved in swiftly and disarmed her.

After treatment in hospital she later expressed grati tude for their actions.

PC Hollis, who has been in Ludlow six-and-a-half years said: "We were called to an address where we were told a woman was threatening herself with knives. It was different from meeting a situation in the street when you just do the job and don't have a chance to think about it. We just kept calm and tried to focus on the job in hand."

Ian Roberts said afterwards: "It was for us to help and protect her. We spent 15 minutes talking to her. She had a mental health problem but alcohol was involved."