Police officer who wrestled armed robber nominated for for bravery award

An off duty Durham police officer who wrestled an armed robber to the ground has been nominated for a national bravery award.

PC Paul Canvin was in a newsagents in Willington, County Durham, while on annual leave when an armed gang burst in and attempted to rob the shop.

Two masked men entered the shop, one armed with a 3ft metal bar. They threatened staff whilst making repeated demands for them to hand over cigarettes and money whilst wielding the bar.

Despite the obvious danger to himself and without anything to defend himself, Pc Canvin, managed to hold down the man wielding the bar until officers attended.

The suspect struggled violently and Pc Canvin was threatened with being stabbed.He has now been nominated for the annual National Police Bravery Awards.