File:Day 207 - Whitehouse, Flack, Demuth & Gough (9402121440).jpg

FOUR police officers have received awards for their bravery after detaining a man who attacked police with a petrol bomb - leaving one cop with serious burns.

The four officers, based at Birmingham’s main central police station, were confronted by a man wielding a lit petrol bomb as they arrived at a family home in Handsworth, on 8 August 2012, to a reported dispute between neighbours.

The response team believed they were going to deal with damage that had been caused to a door, but on arrival a lady informed officers that her son was unwell and had caused damage.

In an attempt to prevent further harm to the property or its occupants, four officers stormed into the house, whilst their colleague went around the back. It was here that the PC, who does not wish to be identified, came face to face with a man holding a lit petrol bomb.

The 44-year-old hurled the bomb at the officer, causing severe burns to his hand.

Sergeant Richard Whitehouse, along with his officers PC Rebecca Flack, James Gough and Ray Demuth, immediately came to their colleague’s aid, patting down the flames as they called for assistance.

In the midst of the chaos and assisting the injured officer, they also attempted to arrest the man who attacked him.

PCs Demuth and Gough discharged Tasers in a bid to detain the individual, however this had no effect and he retreated inside the house.

Sergeant Whitehouse took control, ensuring a cordon was put in place to protect those living nearby. A short time later the man emerged from the premises holding a machete and, despite only minutes earlier seeing their colleague sustain serious injuries at the hand of this man, PCs Flack, Demuth and Gough stepped up to try and talk him into dropping the weapon and giving himself up.

The suspect eventually placed the knife on the floor and was arrested. He was subsequently charged with the offences of attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life. He later pleaded guilty to the offences of arson and causing serious injury by explosives. At a sentencing hearing at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday 24 July the 44-year-old was given a hospital order with a section 41 restriction - meaning he does not get released or moved without the Secretary of State for Justice.

Chief Superintendent Clive Burgess, commander of Birmingham West and Central Police, paid tribute to his officers’ dedication. He said: "These officers showed great bravery in dealing with this individual who posed a significant threat to their, and the wider public’s. safety.

"This is possibly the most frightening incident I have ever seen during my time at Birmingham West and Central but this did not stop these dedicated officers from carrying out their duties with great diligence.

"Without thought for their own wellbeing, the officers all showed great dedication and tactical consideration - ultimately leading to a local man being detained under the Mental Health Act, and later granted a hospital order.

"They acted in the highest traditions of the service and are worthy of praise that this award brings."