A Police Officer who lives in Ross and works for Gloucestershire Constabulary has been nominated for a Police Bravery Award after she went beyond the call of duty restraining a man who had shot himself and saving his life in the process

Sergeant Trish McCavera was working in Cinderford when she was called to the house where the incident happened.

Confronted by a hysterical wife and without knowing where the firearm was she acted quickly and decisively to ensure the paramedics were safe to go in and treat the man.

She found the man lying on his bed bleeding from the chest and being highly aggressive towards her.

She withstood a barrage of verbal abuse from the man as she approached and restrained him - little knowing the loaded shotgun he had used to injure himself was just inches away from his body. Another officer arrived soon after and handcuffed the man.

This meant the paramedics were safe to come in, treat the man and ultimately save his life. Sergeant McCavera said: "It's so lovely to be nominated. You don't have time to be scared. This job is all about protecting people's lives and keeping people safe from harm and that's what I was trying to do."

Inspector Neil Smith, who has worked with Trish for many years, said: "Trish epitomises everything that I believe a strong leader should be. She cares passionately about the community she serves and this incident illustrates that perfectly. Her own safety was at the back of the mind. She knew swift, bold action had to be taken as there was a significant risk of loss of life."

The awards are given for the most outstanding acts of courage by a member of the police service in England and Wales in placing themselves at risk of serious injury.

This year's ceremony will be held in London on October 18th.