Award for PC who tackled gunman

The dramatic incident took place In May in an alleyway of house in Southover High Street, Lewes.

PC Andy Barker, 28, and two police community support officers were called to investigate calls of a man acting suspiciously and had no idea he was armed.

But when PC Barker was confronted by the gunman he courageously stood his ground and tried to tackle him using pepper spray. He also gave first aid after the man shot himself.

The gunman later died from his injuries.

PC Barker's bravery was recognised by a commendation from the outgoing

Chief Contestable of Sussex Police Joe Edwards.

Also present was the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Phyllida Stewart-Roberts OBE

Following the presentation of the award PC Barker told the Express what happened on the evening of May 1.

He said: 'We were just told there was a male in the garden who had jumped over the wall.

'We were also told he may have been harassing someone inside.

'We arrived at the front gate of the house and one of the PCSOs moved towards the gate to open it but I sent him away.

'I opened the gate and saw him standing there. He took a couple of steps back, picked up the rifle and pointed it at me.

'I shouted out "Put the gun down", as this was happening I took out my captor spray but the spray didn't reach him. I shouted at him again and then he shot himself in the head.'

PC Barker said the incident was over within five to ten seconds and his first thought was to make sure the man did not go out into the street.

He has spent more than five-and-a-half years policing Lewes and modestly said what happened in May was just part of his job.