A POLICE officer and a civilian have been commended for bravery after an incident in Malvern.

On May 17 last year, Inspector Garry Higgins was off duty in Worcester Road when he saw a man in a phone box being assaulted by a group of youths.

He called for assistance, checked on the injured man and detained one of the youths, while the others were getting more aggressive.

Worcester man Steve Drinkwater, who was driving past with his family, went to Insp Higgins's assistance and kept the youths away from the officer until further police officers arrived.

Now Insp Higgins has been awarded a Divisional Commendation, while Mr Drinkwater has received a Courageous Citizen's Award.