TACKLING a knife-wielding man who was threatening to kill a two-year-old child has earned a Alconbury-based policeman a bravery award. Pc Martin Lloyd was one of several

TACKLING a knife-wielding man who was threatening to kill a two-year-old child has earned a Alconbury-based policeman a bravery award.

Pc Martin Lloyd was one of several county officers to receive commendations for work over and above the call of duty.

The officer disarmed an 18-year-old who was threatening to kill himself and his family in a Cambourne flat on June 7.

The man had even lunged at the police officer with the knife, but Pc Lloyd said his training helped him deal with the dangerous situation.

The 46-year-old, who is based at the police dog unit at RAF Alconbury, told The Hunts Post: "As I walked in to the flat there was blood everywhere and the teenager had cuts to his wrists and arms.

"As I approached him he backed into the living room and I moved in behind him. He then locked the door behind me saying 'I don't want any other police coming in'.

"There were screams coming from the flat and the teenager was threatening all sorts. I knew I needed to get the family out before anyone else got hurt.

"Then all of a sudden he lunged at me with the knife. It was a kitchen knife, bigger than a vegetable one but smaller than a carving knife. I sprayed him with peppery spray and managed to jump on him and take the knife out of his hand.

"I did not have the opportunity to be scared - my training just kicked in. Being a dog handler I am used to dealing with violent situations."

Pc Lloyd added: "He had made threats that he was going to kill, but I knew I could deal with him as I had come across him before and knew he had mental health problems.

"I was concerned because there was a two-year-old child in the flat."

The teenage knifeman was arrested and received a caution because of his mental health problems.

Divisional commander Chief Superintendent Rob Needle handed out 12 commendations at Parkside police station on Monday, September 29.

However, Pc Lloyd, added it was all in a days work for him.

"I wasn't expecting an award and I feel quite embarrassed because I was just doing my job. It is what police officers do everyday.

"I do not get paid enough to be stabbed but that risk is just part of my job."

Officers receiving commendations included civilian detention officer Edward Smith for his prompt administering of first aid after a man tried to kill himself and Sergeant Andrew Lunn for his leadership at the scene of a stabbing in Cambridge on June 11.

CAPTION: BRAVE COPPER: PC Martin Lloyd and his police dog Flint.

Picture: SUPPLIED.