A COURAGEOUS West Mercia Police officer has been nominated for a national bravery award after disarming a man carrying a gun.

PC Ian Fielding, pictured, and a member of the public helped wrestle gun-waving Alex Warden to the ground in Broad Street, Worcester, in December 2001.

West Mercia Police Federation has now nominated PC Ian Fielding for the 2002 Police Federation Police Bravery Awards, sponsored by The Sun.

"PC Fielding was a candidate chosen from around 20 officers commended by the chief constable for all sorts of issues," said Andy White, head of West Mercia Police Federation.

"We chose him above the others that were commended because of the bravery aspect. We felt that he fitted the criteria for the bravery awards."

PC Fielding was in an unmarked police car with another police officer when the drama unfolded.

They had been following a silver Nissan Micra with Warden in it when they realised the number plates did not match the vehicle.

Warden sped off, but when he realised he could not drive through Broad Street, Worcester, he got out of the car waving a gun at shoppers.

PC Fielding launched himself at Warden, knocking him to the ground.

Warden of Avon Road, Tolladine, Worcester admitted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving and use of an imitation firearm to resist arrest.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison at Birmingham Court last July.