THREE Bolton police officers who braved the threat of a gas blast during a domestic incident are to receive bravery awards.

Constables Gerard Valentine, 33, Stephen Bradburn, 44, and Steven Allman, 39, are to receive Royal Humane Society Testimonials for their action, after a recommendation by Chief Constable David Wilmot.

The Humane Society citation says the officers were called to Brazley Avenue, Horwich, after a domestic incident and found a man outside a house with several items of personal property.

As a result of what he told them they forced their way in through the back door and found ta 22-year-old woman who had turned on all the gas appliances. She held a cigarette lighter which she was threatening to ignite.

The officers managed to get hold of her and after a violent struggle she was overpowered.

The woman, who is not named in the citation, subsequently appeared at Bolton Crown Court and pleaded guilty to causing a breach of the peace. The police were commended by the judge at the Crown Court for their bravery.

No date has yet been fixed for the presentation.

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