A BRAVE Worcestershire police constable who tackled an armed man has received the Chief Constable's Commendation.

Worcester PC Ben Jordan, a trained dog handler, challenged a man who fired at him and a colleague, injuring his partner in the knee.

The incident happened when the pair went to a Kidderminster house after a man barricaded himself in and was trying to harm himself.

The man, who was later revealed to be carrying a knife, fired shots from what appeared to be a handgun at PC Jordan who, without regard for his own safety, challenged him with the help of his newly trained dog, Red.

Two more shots were fired from what was later found to be an air-pistol, one of which hit another police officer in the knee. After a violent struggle PC Jordan, aged 28, restrained the man, preventing the violence getting worse and anyone being seriously injured.

Chief Constable Paul West, who presented the award, said: "PC Jordan took quick and decisive action in order to help and protect an officer who was by himself and in a potentially dangerous situation. His quick thinking and courage resulted in the offender being arrested without injury being caused to any other person. PC Jordan thoroughly deserves this commendation."

When searched, the man was also found to have a large knife and the house contained more knives and loaded air weapons.

Paramedics subsequently treated the man for self-inflicted injuries.

He was arrested following the incident in August 2006 and pleaded guilty to affray. He was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years with a two-year supervision requirement.

PC Jordan joined the force in January 2003 and completed his dog handling course in July 2006.

He is currently a dog handler at the headquarters' force operations dog section. The Chief Constable's Commendation is the second highest award an officer can receive.