A TEAM of police officers who attended an incident in Kirkby Lonsdale which left a woman with horrendous injuries have received Chief Constable’s Commendations.

Police Constables Jamie Callon, Jason Hesmondhalgh and Marc Holmes were the first officers on the scene and administered first aid to the victim, who suffered serious injuries including 30 wounds to her head alone.

The incident took place in October 2017, when police were alerted after two members of the public were flagged down by man who had just carried out a serious assault on his wife.

They were able to keep the man at the scene until the officers arrived, and the woman was subsequently airlifted to Preston Royal Infirmary for treatment.

The attacker – a man in his 80s - was charged with attempted murder and sentenced to an indefinite custodial sentence in a secure hospital.

The members of the public also received commendations as did Detective Constables Rebecca Joseph and Caroline Middleton, Detective Sergeant Darren Henderson and Detective Inspector Helen Curme for their work on the case.

All the officers were officially commended in a ceremony at the Roundthorn Hotel near Penrith this week where a Commendation was also given to a fellow officer who single-handedly tackled a man wielding an axe in a street in Dalton.

Sergeant Kevin Milby confronted the man, now known as Timothy Nickson, who was covered in blood, urging him to put down the axe.

He then followed Nickson into a nearby shop before single-handedly physically restraining and handcuffing him.

Further investigation found that Nickson had, shortly before his arrest, forced his way inside an address and attacked a man with the axe, causing life-threatening injuries.

Nickson, 43, was jailed for seven years in November after admitting wounding with intent and possession of an axe during the incident, which took place in June 2017.

Sgt Milby’s manager Inspector Paul Latham described his actions as a “credit to the whole constabulary”.

He said: “Sergeant Milby showed courage and calm professionalism in confronting a clearly dangerous man who had already shown a willingness to use a weapon.

“With members of the public close by, this was clearly perilous situation. However, Sergeant Milby’s swift and decisive actions brought the incident to a safe conclusion.

“The Sergeant’s actions that day are a great credit to the whole constabulary.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Constable Michelle Skeer said: “The actions of those commended this evening can only be described as inspirational.

“It is often said that the role of the emergency services is to run towards danger as everyone else is running away.

"Whilst tonight has shown clear evidence of our officer’s willingness to put themselves in harm’s way, it is also heart-warming to see so many examples of members of the public dropping whatever they are doing and coming to help in times of need."

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “I always feel incredibly humble to hear such stories of the selfless, brave actions of not just our officers, but others in the emergency services, and members of the public.

"Those that are honoured tonight rightly deserve the recognition that their awards bring, and I would like to add my personal thanks to them all, for saving lives, helping people in their hour of need, and for going the extra mile to keep Cumbria safe.”