Five Southend policemen who confronted a suicidal man brandishing a replica sub-machine gun have been nominated for a national bravery award.

The officers have already received commendations from the Chief Constable after tackling the man at an address in Westcliff in January last year.

Now PCs Mark Beaumont, Patrick Lyons, Steve Catton, Christopher Abbott and special constable Karl Help have been nominated for the annual Police Bravery Awards organised by the Police Federation and the Sun newspaper.

The officers were called to a house in Westcliff on January 9 where they found the 21-year-old man struggling on the stairs with his mother.

The man then ran upstairs and emerged with what appeared to be a sub-machine gun, threatening the officers.

PC Beaumont managed to wrestle the man to ground where he was disarmed and arrested.

He was later detained under the mental health act. The gun turned out to be a realistic-looking replica MP5 sub-machine gun.

The incident prompted the Echo to launch a campaign to ban the sale of fake firearms, which won widespread support from community leaders and MPs, including Home Office minister Paul Boateng.

Southend divisional commander Supt Mike Benning said: "They were in a difficult situation and had to think on their feet for the sake of public safety. The officers acted very bravely."

The winners of the awards will be announced at a ceremony in London on June 15.

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