Two police officers who were attacked by a man brandishing a knife have been commended for their bravery.

The knifeman, John Blanchard, was this week convicted of affray following a two-day trial at the Court of General Gaol Delivery.

Blanchard, 41, of Peel, will be sentenced on October 11.

Constables Katrina Keeling and Jon Penman were attacked when they responded to a domestic disturbance at an address in Peel on the night of Saturday June 10 last year,

When they arrived, they were confronted by a drunk, irate and aggressive man.

The two officers spent a long time trying to engage with him and the woman in the house. Due to the nature of the incident, they separated themselves and the occupants.

But the man then snatched and brandished a five and a half inch kitchen knife extremely close to Constable Penman, causing him to fear for his immediate safety and that of the other occupants.

The officer instinctively grasped hold of the hand that was holding the knife, and after shouting for assistance, his colleague who was in the room next door with the woman and a 13-year-old child, came to his assistance.

Both officers struggled to restrain the man who refused to release the knife. This lasted up to five minutes.

The man was eventually subdued by the use of PAVA incapacitant spray, and arrested for the offence of affray.

Both officers were unharmed and none of the occupants were injured.

Blanchard pleaded not guilty to affray but was convicted by a jury on Tuesday after a two-day trial.

In court, Deemster Montgomerie commended both officers for their bravery.

Chief Constable Gary Roberts has also awarded the officers the Chief Constable’s commendation for bravery.

A police spokesman said: ’This incident demonstrates the risks that all police officers face on a day-to-day basis as they never know what dangers they may face when they carry out their role in keeping people safe.

’Assaults against any members of the emergency services will not be tolerated.

’Emergency services work 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year to assist, care for, and keep people safe. They are not there to be abused, threatened or assaulted.’