TWO police officers who helped stop a man armed with a kitchen knife and an air gun from hurting himself or others were commended today (Thursday).

The man, who was known to police, walked into Woodford police station on May 22 2008 and put the knife to his own throat, saying he was going to kill himself.

When officers approached him, he also produced a gun, which later turned out to be an imitation weapon.

PC John McGranahan, one of the officers given an award at a special ceremony today, said: “This guy sat down in the foyer and produced a knife.

“He was crying and clearly upset so the first thing we did was to make sure the area safe to stop members of the public coming in.”

Other officers at the station were also alerted and PC Helen Begg helped to monitor the situation, keeping people from walking in and out relaying information to police in Ilford.

Now based in Wanstead, she was also commended today and said: “What goes through your mind is that person's safety and the safety of members of the public.

“There was the potential for him to react suddenly. We didn't know if he had any other weapons.

“You don't think of your own safety as you've got a job to do, but afterwards, you do start thinking about it.”

The man was later arrested and found guilty of possessing an air weapon and possessing a knife.

He was given two-month jail terms for each offence, suspended for 12 months, with a 12-month supervision order.

PCs McGranahan and Begg were givens awards for bravery and teamwork following their efforts in keeping fellow officers and members of the public safe.

Another officer, PC Declan Maloney, has already been given an Assistant Commissioner's Commendation for persuading the man not to hurt himself and hand over his weapons.