Police officers who tackled a pitchfork wielding man have received awards for their bravery during the incident, in which one of them was stabbed.

Louise McIntosh, from Neyland, and Kate Lathe, of Crundale, have both been awarded with Chief Constable commendations from Thames Valley Police.

The pair were on patrol with another female officer in Newbury in May 2007 when they spotted a man on a bridge throwing items onto the dual carriage way below.

As they approached, the man ran into nearby woods and was found crouched with a pitchfork across his knees.

Louise said: “I told him to put the fork down and he ran towards us growling. I tried to get my baton and he threw the fork at me, and it caught me on my arm.”

She managed to spray the offender with CS gas, and the three officers restrained him until back-up arrived.

Louise had to be treated for a puncture wound and laceration on her right arm, and had 14 stitches.

She said: “The adrenaline kicked in, I didn’t realise I was injured until we had him on the floor.

“It was sheer panic at the time, but somehow you manage to stay calm and rely on your training.”

Speaking to the Western Telegraph after the award ceremony, Louise, who has been in the force for nearly five years, said: “I feel quite proud to have received it. “The work that police officers do often seems to go unnoticed, so I’m really glad to to have this recognition.”

Superintendent Steve Hockin, of Thames Valley Police, praised the officers for their bravery and professionalism.

He added: “While these incidents are rare, this highlights the courage displayed by police officers across the country on a daily basis.”