A police officer managed to disarm a man who had barricaded himself into his flat with knives and a spear as flames engulfed the building.

PC Dan Underwood was one of a number of officers who were awarded for their tireless work across the district this week.

At a ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral, chief constable Alan Pughsley handed out a number of honours in recognition of the achievements of officers, staff and members of the public.

Chief superintendent Andrea Bishop said: ”Every day officers and staff are going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure Kent is a safe place to live, work and visit and it’s important we recognise some of that outstanding work.

”I was really proud of everyone who won an award, not least the members of the public who showed incredible bravery and selflessness in potentially dangerous situations.”

PC Underwood was awarded a chief constable’s commendation for his ”exceptional courage and professionalism” during an incident in Ramsgate on October 5.

”Every day officers and staff are going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure Kent is a safe place to live, work and visit." - Chief superintendent Andrea Bishop

He was one of five officers called to a flat in the town following concerns for the welfare of a man.

When they arrived, the man began setting fires inside the flat.

The officers forced entry to find he had barricaded himself behind a bedroom door and had armed himself with several knives and an improvised spear.

They forced down the bedroom door before they were attacked by the man and by this point the flames had reached waist height.

The officers eventually managed to restrain and disarm the man, rescue him from the property and evacuate neighbouring flats.

Three further award-winners were Sergeant Jayson Bole, detective sergeant Stephen Rudden and detective constable Gary Stamp, who all received their certificate of merit for their actions while trying to stop a suspect’s car in December 2013.

The suspect and his two accomplices were wanted in connection with a shoplifting incident at Westwood Cross in Broadstairs in which three televisions were stolen.

But when sergeant Boyle attempted to stop the car at a service station on the Thanet Way in Minster the suspect revved his engine and deliberately drove at the officer, knocking him into the air.

Miraculously he only sustained grazing and minor injuries and the three suspects were caught following a pursuit.

During an investigation, it was found they had stolen from stores across Kent and London, where they had also driven at security guards who had tried to stop them.

Investigating officer constable Gary Stamp was presented with a divisional commander’s commendation for how he progressed the investigation and his contribution to the work of CID at Canterbury over the last year.