Two officers confronted in a confined space by an attacker armed with a knife were commended for their courage and bravery by the Chief Constable.
PC Heather Watson and PC Matthew Johnston attended an address in Carlisle on 28 May 2025 following a report by a woman that she believed she had been victim of a serious offence.
L-R - Ch Con Darren Martland, PC Heather Watson, PC Matthew Johnston and PFCC David Allen
On attendance, the woman appeared to be in a mental health crisis.
Whilst the officers were working to support and calm the woman - and PC Johnston was on the phone to mental health services - she came out of a room with a large knife and slashed PC Heather Watson across the face.
PC Watson reacted to defend herself, grabbing the woman's wrist to prevent further attacks whilst calling her colleague, PC Johnston, for help.
PC Johnston arrived as the woman continued to thrust the knife towards the officer's face, but he was able to get between PC Watson and her attacker.
In doing so, he fell backwards and she attempted to stab him.
PC Watson was then able to deploy her PAVA spray, which immediately subdued the attacker enough for the officers to retreat to safety.
Back-up arrived at the same time to arrest the attacker.
The officers were nominated by their Sergeant, Stuart Mitchelhill.
He said: "It is beyond doubt that both officers were responsible that day for saving one another's lives.
"PC Johnston threw himself between the attacker and his colleague and, in turn, PC Watson - blood pouring from a wound to her face - deployed PAVA to rescue her colleague.
"This was unquestionably a harrowing experience for both officers to have to endure. However, both acted in the absolute finest tradition of policing, risking themselves to rescue one another - all whilst attending an address to help a woman in distress.
"Their efforts were courageous, professional and remarkable, and are deserving of commendation."