Police officers commended for bravery

FOUR Inverness shop workers who tackled and restrained a shoplifter armed with a knife have been honoured for their bravery.

Four Northern Constabulary officers were also recognised at the Brave@Heart awards in Edinburgh.

Shop workers Annette Smith (46), Alistair Campbell (55), Jamie Anderson (20) and James Brown (18) helped disarm and restrain a shoplifter armed with a knife at the Tesco on Tomnahurich Street last year.

Special Constable Michael McDiarmid (24) and PC Kelly Forteath (21), both based in Inverness, were attacked while trying to arrest a man during a disturbance in a house in Inverness last January. The pair managed to fight back and overpowered the man before safely arresting him.

PC Blair McMaster (35) and PC Michael Gallie (31) also received an award after tackling a man with a gun in Castlebay, Barra, in December 2009.

"The Brave@Heart Awards recognise and celebrate people who have shown exceptional bravery, whether in battling the elements to save others, by intervening to stop a criminal in the act or by showing life saving presence of mind," said First Minister Alex Salmond.

"Each Brave@Heart award winner has risen to the challenge of the unexpected and shown the capacity to face and overcome danger in any number of forms. Each winner has stepped out of ordinary life and shown an extraordinary valour.

"They are all heroes and it is my privilege to present them with their awards."