Awards for off-duty PCs who stopped armed burglars

Two off-duty police officers have been honoured for bravery after challenging and arresting two violent burglars at the end of a night shift.

Sgt Alex Farr and PC Sam Hilbery were commended for their "exceptional bravery, quick thinking and unwavering commitment to public safety," the Essex Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said.

The award was for putting themselves in danger, after springing into action as they travelled home to Southend at about 02:00 BST in July 2022.

"Their actions show police officers are never truly off duty," Mr Harrington added.

The force said Sgt Farr and PC Hilbery heard an alarm sound as they passed a Sainsbury's Local supermarket in West Street, Rochford.

PC Hilbery said: "We noticed that the door to the Sainsbury's was open and we said 'that's not right, that's meant to be shut'.

"Then we saw someone come out of the store who was dressed all in black, balaclava on, with a bag."

He was holding a crowbar, which he waved at them, the officer said.

Sgt Farr, who was a PC at the time, said: "We tried to circle him to try and grab hold of him but every time I went near him he took a swipe at me."

After a violent struggle, the police officers called for backup.

They told how a woman appeared and tried to pull Sgt Farr from the man, before grabbing PC Hilbery around the neck, attempting to strangle her, and picking up the crowbar.

When PC Hilbery said she was a police officer, the woman ran off.

Sgt Farr said: "Any other officer would have done the same.

"It was dangerous but police officers do that every day. It's just that we did it off duty."

Both officers were then back on shift later that afternoon.

PC Hilbery said the commendation showed "you have done your job right and that you went above and beyond to do your job".

Mr Harrington said: "They successfully managed a volatile and violent situation and secured the arrest of two violent individuals.

"Despite the very real risk of being injured themselves, Alex and Sam demonstrated outstanding courage, professionalism and teamwork, reflecting the highest standards of policing."

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