TWO police officers have been recognised for their bravery for sustaining a claw hammer attack to catch a murder suspect.

PCs David Hall and Rhys Rushby from North Wales Police have been recognised with a prestigious Police Bravery Award, being the Region 7 (Wales) winners at the 23rd national Police Bravery Awards in London last night.

The awards, hosted by the Police Federation of England and Wales, honour and recognise police officers who perform outstanding acts of bravery.

PCs Hall and Rushby spotted a violent man who was wanted for murder, hiding in a car. Both officers were involved in the arrest of Jordan Davidson, who murdered Nicholas Churton in Crescent Close, Wrexham days earlier in March 2017.

Davidson attacked PC Hall with a claw hammer, striking him on the shoulder, forearms and hands. PC Rushby sprayed the man with incapacitant as PC Hall wrestled with the offender, trying to take the hammer.

The offender was biting and punching, screaming that he had a gun and was going to shoot and kill the officers - before thrusting an unknown object to PC Rushby’s throat.

He continued to assault both officers before PC Hall used a Taser, enabling PC Rushby to apply handcuffs. The object he had been holding underneath PC Rushby’s neck was a nine inch kitchen knife.

Both officers modestly said they were embarrassed to receive the award for their regional category but "the highlight was going to Number 10, turning up in Downing Street, the garden and coming to The Dorchester tonight, being in the presence of everyone else here - it’s a real privilege."

And faced with the same situation would they do the same: "Yes, absolutely I think we would have to."

Calum Macleod, chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “The courage and professionalism shown by PC Hall and PC Rushby went above and beyond the normal call of duty.

"They showed exceptional bravery, and thoroughly deserve to win this award. Thank you for your dedication to helping to keep the public safe”.

Stephen Mann, CEO of Police Mutual, said: “Over the last 10 years, Police Mutual has been proud to have sponsored such an inspirational event in the policing calendar and for my colleagues and I 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 and keep us safe."