Sidley chainsaw incident - police honoured for bravery

The East Sussex Awards which took place yesterday at Hailsham recognised and honoured police officers, police staff and members of the public.

Chief Superintendent Nick Wilkinson, East Sussex Divisional Commander, said: "The awards present an opportunity for me to recognise the significant contributions of a large number of police officers, police staff and members of the public in keeping East Sussex a safe place for all who live, work or visit.

"I am always humbled by the actions of individuals and teams who clearly go the extra mile to ensure we work together to uphold the law and protect the vulnerable in communities throughout East Sussex."

Among those honoured were Sergeant Lee Floyd, PC Alan Smith, PC Tod Stewart, PC Danny Palmer, PC Toby Young, PC Steve Croft, PC Richard Hobbs and PC Michael Turnbull.

They were praised for their actions when on March 24, 2006 at Preston Road they were confronted by a mentally disturbed man

He was armed with a revving chainsaw.

He doused himself in petrol and set fire to himself, becoming a human fireball.

Sussex Police say: "This man was intent on endangering the lives of the people he lived with and in particular the police officers present at scene.

"The courage and professionalism displayed whilst dealing with this incident is of the highest calibre and the officers showed exemplary bravery in their collective actions to successfully restrain and deal with this particularly dangerous man."