A BRAVERY award has been presented to a Nether Stowey man for going to the aid of two police officers who were being attacked and injured.

Michael Place received a Waley Cohen Award in recognition of meritorious service in support of law and order.

It was presented by Chief Constable Steve Pilkington at County Hall, Taunton, on Monday.

The two police officers were on mobile patrol in Bridgwater in the early hours of October 3 when they spotted a man and a woman having a dispute.

The officers stopped to intervene, the woman alleged the man had assaulted her and they tried to speak to him.

But the man launched an attack, grabbing one of the officers around the throat, and both officers were injured.

Mr Place, aged 24, saw the attack and, without thought for his own safety, stepped in and helped restrain the man.

He also stayed with the officers to detain the man until help arrived.

Chief Superintendent Derek Walsh said: "Without the intervention of Mr Place, the officers could well have suffered more serious injuries in this violent unprovoked attack."