A crime fighting duo from Sefton have been commended for their bravery after tackling a broken bottle wielding maniac who had threatened the lives of two clubbers.
Special Constables Jonathan Abram and Joseph Bond received the Chief Constables Commendation for their 'bravery, tenacity and professionalism' in disarming the offender in Lord Street, Southport.
The pair, who give up their own time to serve in the Special Constabulary, were on patrol in Southport town centre last June when two men who had just been attacked, asked for help.
One of the victims, aged 24, said he had been in the toilets of local club, Rockin Asia, with his friend when another man had approached them.
The stranger, now known to be 24-year-old Nathan French from Toxteth, noticed that the older victim had a Blackberry phone, and shocked both men by smashing a beer bottle on the toilet sink before demanding the friends hand over the phone and all of their money.
French held the broken glass to the throat of the older victim, before turning on his 18 year-old friend.
The attacker then ordered both men to lock themselves in a toilet cubicle until the attacker had left.
As the pair where speaking to officers following the attack, they saw the offender walk past towards a taxi rank still carrying the broken bottle.
The Special Constables immediately sprag into action, attempting to arrest French who resisted and fought back, punching Constable Abram in the face.
The pair managed to wrestle French to the ground, disarming him in the process, he was then arrested and taken to Southport police station for questioning.
Special Constable Abram said: "When the offender was pointed out to me I went to detain him. As soon as he turned violent my training kicked in and together with my colleague Joe we managed to restrain him.
"I have been a Special Constable for two years and this was by far the most violent incident I have been involved in. Thankfully dealing with these types of incidents are just a small part of our role and being a Special is a very rewarding experience knowing you can make a difference and help the wider community.
"It has given me a good insight into the work undertaken by regular officers. I currently work full time but hope to get the opportunity in the future to follow my father and grandfather's footsteps in becoming a regular officer. The awards ceremony was a memorable and proud moment."
Special Constable Bond added: "I have served in Merseyside Police for just over two years now and this has been by far my biggest accomplishment. I enjoy every aspect of the job but this was the most exciting incident I've been involved in. I am honoured to receive the award and hope to progress further with the police."
French has since been charged with two counts of robbery and one count of assaulting a police officer.
Appearing at Liverpool Crown Court, Mr French pleaded guilty to all three offences and was jailed for three and a half years.
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