Heroic Shropshire police officer Richard Gray, who was killed in the line of duty, has been honoured at the Police Bravery Awards.Constable Gray and his partner Constable Mat Crisp put their own safety second to save two colleagues who were being held hostage by gunman Peter Medlicott in Castlefields Shrewsbury, on May 6 last year.

Constable Crisp collected the award from by the Police Federation along with Constable Gray’s widow Jenny. It was presented by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith at a ceremony held at The Dorchester Hotel, London, last night.

Constable Gray’s award was the first to be made posthumously.

The two officers received the award for their actions in dealing with the gunman in New Park Road.

They were part of the armed response team on duty. On arriving at the property, Constable Gray ran down the alleyway to the rear of the house which distracted Mr Medlicott allowing the two unarmed officers to escape.

He then confronted Mr Medlicott and was shot dead.

Mr Medlicott then turned the gun on himself.

Sergeant Andy White, chairman of West Mercia Police Federation, said: “These are the type of incidents that our colleagues may be called to deal with at any time.

“Ricky paid the ultimate price and Mat acted with complete professionalism in the face of a tragic situation. The Police Bravery Award recognises their courage and the risks they took on that tragic day.”

Picture: Jacqui Smith, Katy and Mat Crisp and Gordon Brown at 10 Downing Street.