A STREET marshal has been recognised for his bravery after he spotted a man brandishing a fake gun in Chipping Sodbury.

John Scully was working with a colleague in the early hours of Friday, December 23, 2016 when they spotted an attack taking place.

The pair saw a male assailant striking a person with a handgun, and stepped in to help whilst putting their own safety at risk.

The gun was found to be an imitation firearm, however Mr Scully and his colleague could not have known this.

Mr Scully has now been awarded a Waley Cohen Award for Meritorious Acts in Support of Law and Order as a result of his bravery.

He attended a special awards ceremony at the Merchants' Hall in Bristol on Monday, March 20.

The event took place to recognise astounding acts of courage by police officers and members of the public.

Many tales of bravery and life-saving acts were celebrated at the awards, which were attended by Chief Constable Andy Marsh, Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens, the High Sherriff of Bristol Helen Wilde, and Angela Yeoman OBE.

Speaking at the event, Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “Today we heard of some truly remarkable life-saving events and amazing stories of dedication and determination which make us all incredibly proud.”

PCC Sue Mountstevens addressed those who had received awards: “To be in a room with you makes me feel amazingly privileged - you are all extraordinary people.”

Other people commended for bravery included Abigail Bamber, an off-duty nurse who gave life-saving treatment to a stab victim on a Bristol street, and Samuel Hilton, who saved a man’s life after he was shot in Easton.

Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Pook was awarded a Metropolitan Police Commendation for her work tackling honour-based abuse, forced marriage and female genital mutilation, while a community safety award was presented to a team of officers who tackled a major drug operation in Easton and St Paul’s.

Awards were also issued to PCSO Sean Ford, who saved a man's life using CPR, and DC Julie Bryan-Young for her work investigating four Bristol-based offenders who abused children.

DS Andrew Coggins was commended for his involvement in an operation which led to the seizure of amphetamines, cannabis and heroin with a street value of more than £1.5million from the Mendips, while Mathew Shutt was recognised for single-handedly stopping a car driving the wrong way down the M32.

PCSO Barrington Scott and Crime Scene Investigator Robert Causon were honoured for entering a smoke-filled property in Bath to search for occupants and attempt to extinguish a fire.

Passer-by Olivia Wright, who reported a man assaulting his partner on a street in Bristol, was also recognised at the awards ceremony for reporting the attack.