A POLICE officer has been awarded a medal for his outstanding bravery during a shooting incident. Pc Arron Worbey, 28, was awarded the Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal for his actions outside Boscombe Court in Pixmore Avenue, Letchworth GC in August 2007

A POLICE officer has been awarded a medal for his outstanding bravery during a shooting incident.

Pc Arron Worbey, 28, was awarded the Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal for his actions outside Boscombe Court in Pixmore Avenue, Letchworth GC in August 2007.

It is one of the highest honours for bravery in the country and Pc Worbey's award was presented by HRH Princess Alexandra during a special ceremony last week.

Pc Worbey was off-duty when he chanced upon the incident which started with an altercation involving a number of men.

One of them fired a handgun seriously injuring another man. The gunman was then jumped on and badly beaten up.

While Pc Worbey administered first aid and called Herts Constabulary control room, the loaded gun was picked up by another man who threatened members of the public.

Pc Worbey rushed at the man holding the gun and safely disarmed him without anyone else being injured.

Assistant Chief Constable Heather Valentine, who attended the award ceremony, said: "This was a particularly brave act. Arron, knowing the gun was loaded, risked his own life to protect other innocent members of the public.

"Officers carry out amazing work across Hertfordshire on a daily basis to safeguard communities but Arron's actions went above and beyond the call of duty.

"I am very proud to have him working with the force and this award is truly deserved. I would like to congratulate him for what he did."

Pc Worbey said: "On that day my instincts took over to ensure innocent members of the public weren't hurt. I am extremely proud and honoured to have been given this award."

He is also due to receive a Police Medal which will be presented to him at the Association of Chief Police Officers conference in Manchester on July 8.

As reported in the Comet four weeks ago, Pc Worbey, a fellow constable and a friend are preparing to run what is considered to be one of the toughest foot races in the world called the Jungle Marathon.

They will run 200km through the Amazon jungle in Brazil in temperatures over 110 F over five days in October in a bid to raise �32,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital for Sick Children.