AN officer who detained and arrested a man who had stabbed his stepmother to death has been nominated for a Police Bravery Award.

Constable Philip Williams, of Gwent Police will be recognised at the 21st Police Bravery Awards on 14th July.

The awards honour and recognise police officers who performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty, and are sponsored by Police Mutual.

On 1st November 2014 Gwent Police received a call from a man informing them he had stabbed his stepmother five times with a knife.

PC Williams went straight to the address in an isolated area of Monmouthshire an attempt to save life and prevent further violence. When he arrived - at an extremely isolated farm, on the edge of a forest – and without any thought for his own safety, PC Williams managed to successfully restrain and detain the man.

He then entered the house to check on the condition of the victim but unfortunately she had died as a result of her terrible injuries and so PC Williams then arrested the man for murder. 

Tim Wilcox, chairman of the Gwent Police Federation, said: “PC Williams showed exceptional bravery, putting his own life at risk to protect the public as he did not fully know the situation he was walking in to. It is a pleasure to nominate him for this award.”

Gwent Chief Constable Jeff Farrar said: “PC Williams acted without thought for his own safety in arresting a potentially dangerous man for murder.  This was an excellent piece of police work but is just one example of the countless acts of bravery and dedication displayed by officers on a daily basis across the Gwent Police.”

Stephen Mann, CEO of Police Mutual, said: “This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Police Bravery Awards and the eighth consecutive year that Police Mutual has sponsored them.

“We are proud to continue our support for such an inspirational event in the Policing calendar and to be able to show our respect for the exceptional courage shown by Police Officers who risk their lives every day to protect the public.”