An off-duty officer who detained two knife-wielding suspects heading to an organised street brawl has been nominated for the National Police Bravery Awards.

PC Aynsley Ward was at a restaurant with her family last year on 28 April in Shipley, West Yorkshire.

She saw two young males walking past brandishing large kitchen knives and called 999 to report the situation.

Wanting to take them off the streets as quickly as possible, PC Ward followed the suspects and before she knew it found herself face to face with one of them.

With no personal protective equipment, she skilfully restrained him before removing the bladed weapon from his possession.

Whilst doing so, the second suspect confronted her, but the outnumbered officer swiftly managed to also detain him with the assistance of a member of the public.

PC Ward removed another large knife from their possession and kept the situation under control until uniformed officers arrived.

Had she not done this, the officers who were in attendance would have been significantly outnumbered due to a volatile crowd which was gathering. There were approximately 15 people present, who had gathered for an organised fight.

Instead of going back to her family meal, PC Ward attended the local police station, completed a thorough statement and uploaded mobile phone footage of the incident.

Craig Nicholls, West Yorkshire Police Federation chair, said: “PC Ward had no personal protective equipment with her as she was off duty, she was outnumbered and took the decision to leave the safety of the restaurant with her family to put herself in harm’s way. This is every bit true heroism and dedication.

“They were armed with two large kitchen knives - she knew this and still put herself in the situation in order to protect the public from danger. Her professionalism and courage are to be commended and she is thoroughly deserving of her nomination."

Chief Constable John Robins QPM DL, West Yorkshire Police, said: “I am so proud of PC Ward, her actions were nothing short of heroic and truly commendable.

“She put herself in danger whilst off duty to protect other members of the public.

“She is a credit to West Yorkshire and I am proud to have her amongst our ranks protecting and serving our communities on a daily basis.”