AN EVESHAM policeman disarmed a drunken knifeman who had stabbed his father.

Now PC Peter Davey has been commended for his bravery along with three other Evesham policemen.

PC Davey, aged 45, was first on the scene of an incident last August after the young man, known to suffer mental health problems, had also assaulted his mother. The police officer with 25 year's experience used CS spray to incapacitate the man. Colleagues were then able to arrest him and recover the weapon. Divisional commander Chief Superintendent Simon Adams praised PC Davey's actions.

PC Davey, a father-of-two, said: "It's always nice to get a little bit of recognition for the job you do and there's a certain amount of adrenaline involved. It's certainly not a question of bravery - it's a job that has to be done and we are charged with looking after members of the public in the first instance. This incident was certainly not an everyday occurrence, and what happened to me is no different to what could have happened to any of my colleagues."

Another Evesham-based officer, Detective Constable Eric Summerton won praise from the force's Chief Constable Paul West for his vigilance and courage. Following an armed robbery in Evesham last July DC Summerton approached two suspects and, despite being attacked himself, managed to prevent their getaway on a motorbike by snatching the keys.

Colleagues Sergeant Richard Robson and PC Howard Latham, both based at Pershore, also received divisional commendations. In the early hours of January 8 the pair persuaded a mentally ill woman to climb down from the roof of a pub. Their communication skills and positive actions were recognised.

Ch Supt Simon Adams said: "All too often people are happy to malign public services in general and the police in particular. These awards underline the fact that my officers are prepared to put their lives on the line to save lives in the course of their everyday duties."