Two Southwark officers who fought off a powerfully built man armed with a kitchen knife have recieved the prestigious Outstanding Bravery of the Year award.

Police constables Jack Collins and Jack Muscatt were honoured on February 7 with the award, presented to them by the Home Secretary Theresa May. The award, which was decided by public vote in which 40,000 citizens took part, was given to the officers due to their selfless show of bravery in the line of duty as they restrained a man threatening murder.

The two officers were called to the address to deal with a “powerfully built man” armed with a large kitchen knife, as described by PC Jack Collins. The man was threatening to harm other residents in the Southwark flat and, on top of being armed, was holding a three-month-old baby and was exhibiting serious and dangerous mental health issues.

Both PC Collins and Muscatt acted quickly and without hesitation to disarm the assailant. The situation was difficult in this respect due to the limited tactical options available to them. The use of CS gas, a type of tear gas used in crowd control, was of course not an option due to the presence of the baby.

PC Collins sustained serious injuries whilst attempting to diffuse the situation and was stabbed by the man twice, once in the head and once in the shoulders, when the assailant charged towards them. After stabbing Collins, the man then attempted to stab PC Muscatt several times; slashing wildly before the blade became lodged in his protective stab vest.

Despite the heavy injuries suffered by both officers, their gallant display of heroism and teamwork resulted in the man being restrained and arrested without any residents or the baby being harmed. The officers were commemorated for their heroic display and quick thinking under pressure. The man received a custodial sentence for two counts of attempted murder.