A POLICE officer who was attacked while asleep at home says she will be forever in the debt of two neighbours and colleagues who saved her life.

PC Hannah Conroy was attacked by a woman in Lydney in May 2023 and suffered serious stab wounds.

Neighbours Elizabeth Powell and Marion Balaam, who responded to her cries for help, have now received national recognition for their bravery.

She said: “Despite the horrific situation in May 2023, I have the honour and privilege to know two such wonderful women, who have become lifelong friends.

“If it wasn't for their quick-thinking and taking action, to put it simply I would not be here now.

“I will forever be in awe of their strength and bravery and for this to be honoured and recognised at the national Police Public Bravery Awards was incredible.”

The offender, a 41-year-old woman, was charged with attempted murder and possession of a knife.

After a trial, she was found not guilty by reason of insanity and given an indefinite hospital order.

Elizabeth was one of the gold winners at the Police Public Bravery Awards held in Sheffield.

After Hannah was able to open the front door, without hesitation Elizabeth grabbed the attacker and pulled her to the ground.

She displayed “incredible bravery, focusing on keeping the attacker calm and away from Hannah while on the phone to police.”

Marion was presented with a silver award for giving life-saving first aid until police arrived and took over.

She applied pressure to multiple stab wounds, and remained calm despite the horrific knife injuries she was tending.

Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said: “Elizabeth and Marion's actions that night were nothing short of heroic.

“They stepped into a terrifying situation without hesitation, showing immense courage and care for their neighbour.

"Their bravery, alongside the swift and professional response of the police officers, is a testament to the strength and resilience of the people who support policing in Gloucestershire.

“I am incredibly proud to see their selflessness recognised through these awards, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part in saving Hannah's life.

"Our communities are a better place with people like Elizabeth and Marion in them." 

The two women were also praised by Maggie Blyth, the temporary Chief Constable of Gloucestershire.

She said they had both run into a dangerous situation without concern for their own safety to save the life of their neighbour.

Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police Lauren Poultney, who hosted the awards ceremony as honorary secretary, said: “Many people would hesitate to intervene in a violent knife attack in the middle of the night.

“Elizabeth did not, and her bravery saved her neighbour's life. Her actions that day exemplify why we host these awards every year.

“Members of the public supporting police and strangers in need, rather than walking away, display remarkable compassion and selflessness.

Winners on the night also included people who jumped into rivers to rescue strangers, fought off armed robbers and provided life-saving first aid.