Police officers and public honoured for bravery

Police and members of the public have been honoured for their courage in the Police Scotland Bravery and Meritorious Service Awards.

Among those honoured are five young boys from Edinburgh who spotted a distressed woman entering a river and tried to stop her before calling the Coastguard.

Two off-duty Marie Curie nurses in Aberdeenshire also received awards for assisting an off-duty police officer who had been the victim of a hit-and-run road accident.

A total of 36 police and 21 members of the public were honoured at the ceremony at Police Scotland College in Tulliallan, Clackmannanshire.

Officers who received commendations included a constable who was able to prevent three men from intervening in an arrest in Glasgow, despite being hit in the face himself with an iron.

Also honoured were two Fife constables who were attacked by a member of the public with a Taser, and a sergeant in Edinburgh who helped saved the life of a man walking along the M8 motorway.

Chief Constable Phil Gormley presented the awards, and he said: “It is genuinely humbling to hear of the extraordinary lengths people have gone to, to help others. I was privileged to present these awards, meet the winners and to hear more about their stories.

“It is absolutely right we honour their bravery and show not only how proud we are of our police officers in Scotland, but also of members of the public who don’t hesitate to take action to help another person at what could be the most difficult time of that individual’s life.

“The actions of today’s winners – both officers and members of the public – have undoubtedly saved lives and touched the hearts of people across the country.

“People become police officers to help others – I hope these awards make more people consider policing as a career when they see the difference they could make to others in their day-to-day work.”

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “This is a chance for us to recognise the actions of police officers and staff who have gone beyond the call of duty to help others in times of great need. Also members of the public who have shown true community spirit and put themselves at risk to help others, including five young people whose maturity and resourcefulness avoided a potentially tragic outcome.

“We are indebted to everyone receiving awards today. I have no doubt their actions have touched the lives of individuals, families and communities across the country. They serve as an inspiration to us all.”

Andrew Flanagan, chairman of the Scottish Police Authority, paid tribute to the loyalty and flexibility of officers and staff and said the awards were an opportunity to acknowledge and reward their outstanding work.

He added: “But importantly, the awards also give us the unique opportunity to acknowledge those members of the public who have helped policing to keep the people of Scotland safe. Congratulations to all today’s winners.”

Ex-police chief speaks out: A rare analysis of Police Scotland’s shortcomings