Sergeant Mark Allmond and PC Quigley from Thames Valley Police who chased down a violent killer have been recognised with a prestigious Police Bravery Award.

The officers were named as the Region 5 (South East) winners at the 23rd national Police Bravery Awards in London on 12 July, hosted by the Police Federation of England and Wales.

The awards, sponsored by Police Mutual, honour and recognise police officers who perform outstanding acts of bravery.

Off-duty Sgt Allmond was shopping with his family when he heard a man shouting and making threats. Unknown to him, the man had walked into Poundland, taken a large carving knife from the shelves and killed an innocent member of the public.

Sgt Allmond followed the offender through the town centre, whilst calling the police and updating  them with his location. He followed behind at a safe distance, warning people to stay away as the man continued to make threats, still holding the knife.

Sgt Allmond tried to distract him away from a member of the public he was talking to, but his interruption angered the man. PC Quigley arrived and standing away from Sgt Allmond to avert the man’s gaze, she used her Taser to challenge and demand that he drop the knife, which he did. Sgt Allmond then moved forward and restrained him, with the help of PC Quigley who was also able to handcuff him.

On the evening of the awards, PC Quigley, said:

"It’s overwhelming really, there are so many nominations and so many people acting above and beyond our call of duty as such  it’s amazing. I’m very grateful for the  that people voted for us and that we won the award, it’s brilliant.”

Sgt Allmond, said:

“Overwhelmed to be in a room with such great company and never in my wildest dreams did I think it would happen, we were just doing our job and its fantastic."

Calum Macleod, Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said:

“The courage and professionalism shown by Sgt Allmond and PC Quigley 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”.

For more information about Thames Valley Police's PC Quigley and Sergeant Mark Allmond please visit http://www.polfed.org/