Two police officers have been hailed for rescuing a baby from a martial arts expert who had turned violent.

Constables Mike Griffiths and Paddy Moore were among the police, civilian workers and members of the public who received Chief Constable’s awards this week.

In March this year, the pair were carrying out routine work in Ramsey Grammar School when they heard of an emergency situation in Andreas.

A man, who was having a mental health breakdown, was in his home with his young baby.

He was manic, making threats and acting in a completely irrational fashion.

His wife, who was hysterically distressed, had fled the house leaving her husband inside with the child.

When they arrived at the house, the two officers quickly saw the seriousness of the situation - the man was in a volatile and dangerous state, he was holding the baby and he had immediate access to knives.

They also learned that he had legitimate access to firearms.

On top of this he was a physically powerful individual, who was highly trained in martial arts.

The two officers tried to engage the man in conversation, so that they could persuade him to hand over the baby.

They were placing themselves in danger - the man was unpredictable and made real threats to do them serious harm.

Constable Griffiths spent some time alone inside the house, with his colleague outside the room relaying information to other officers on their way to the scene.

Showing great courage and calmness, Constable Griffiths persuaded the man to hand the baby to him.

Both officers then had further lengthy negotiations with the man, eventually persuading him to leave the property and come with them.

Constable Griffiths received a commendation and his colleague a certificate of merit for their courage.

Chief Constable Gary Roberts said: ’Sometimes people who are in crisis can present a real and immediate threat to those around them.

’When the person in crisis is physically very strong, a martial arts expert and has immediate access to weapons, the threat is truly significant.

’The officers found themselves in a truly frightening situation, which they resolved safely through courage, calmness and quick thinking.’