Two Shropshire police officers have been commended for disarming a woman who lunged at them with a knife.

They then gave her first aid for self-inflicted wounds and dealt with a gas-filled room to enable other emergency staff to attend in safety.

Constables Tim Viner and Campbell Heath, of Shrewsbury Police, were presented withDivisional Commendations at a ceremony at Shrewsbury’s Pro Star Stadium.

Their citation says the officers “demonstrated bravery, team work, restraint and compassion while restraining a seriously ill woman with a bi-polar personality condition who was threatening to harm herself and anyone who went near her”.

It added: “She was quickly brought under control, first aid provided and the scene made safe, protecting the public and other partners.”

The incident happened in June last year, when police assistance was requested by the Community Mental Health Team to deal with the woman in the town.

Sergeant Graham Preece, the supervising officer, said when the two officers arrived at the scene they saw a woman walking around inside the property.

They tried but could not get a response from her.

“Upon entering, the female occupant was located inside a room hidden underneath a quilt,” he said.

“As the officers approached, she lurched at Constable Heath with a kitchen knife. The officer responded, quickly catching hold of the blade within inches of his body as the female proceeded to attempt to stab and slash him with the blade.

“Constable Heath was able to gain control of her, alerting Constable Viner at the same time.

“Together, the officers disarmed the lady, bringing her under control and retaining their professionalism.

“They gave her first aid for self-inflicted wounds.

“Noticing a strong smell of gas, the officers established that an appliance had been left on without ignition.

“They ventilated the property and made it safe for other emergency workers prior to leaving.”

Sergeant Preece added: “It is clear that without their intervention, the woman’s life and those of residents around her, would have been under threat.”

The woman was later taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital prior to being moved to Shelton psychiatric hospital for assessment and treatment.

Meanwhile, Constable Tim Griffiths has been commended for his work on a wildlife case.

The incident attracted national publicity.

The former Local Policing Officer for Craven Arms Rural West, who is now Shrewsbury Crown Court liaison officer, was awarded a Divisional Commendation for his “exemplary investigation” into wildlife offences in the Aston on Clun area during 2007.