Two policemen have been commended for their bravery after subduing an armed robber in Harlow.

PC David Moon and PC Richard Hamilton, from Essex Police's Force Support Unit, were called in to search the area following an armed robbery in the town in June 2019.

The pair found the suspect nearby, who had a large knife tucked in his waistband. He became violent when PC Moon tried to arrest him but PC Hamilton used his Taser to subdue him and prevent PC Moon from being seriously injured.

The man was arrested without injury and charged with various offences.

“I’m really proud. It’s nice to be recognised for the work which the Force Support Unit does every day", said PC David Moon.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said: "Our officers and staff will say ‘I was just doing my job’ or ‘that’s what I get paid for’ but the things I have commended them for are absolutely extraordinary. I don’t award commendations lightly.

“I ask our officers to help people, keep them safe and catch bad guys and they do, day in and day out. But it’s not just about our officers, it takes a team of people with different skills and abilities to bring people to justice and that means police staff, detention officers, analysts and investigators.

“Whether it’s chasing people with knives, protecting colleagues, helping members of the public, tracking down criminals who have threatened people in their own homes or making sure hundreds of people are now safer online, there has been some tremendous work to bring people to justice.”

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