A GLOUCESTERSHIRE police officer is one of more than 70 to be nominated for a bravery award.

The 22nd Police Bravery Awards take place in London next month, aiming to recognise officers who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty, and is hosted by the Police Federation of England and Wales.

PC Melanie Earnshaw was on her first day on duty in Gloucestershire when she was called to an incident concerning a woman who had called the suicide helpline.

The woman doused herself and PC Earnshaw in lighter fluid as the officer tried to wrestle it from her.

The female then took a lighter and was about to ignite it, but despite being significantly smaller in stature, PC Earnshaw was able to retrieve the lighter from her.

The woman then attempted to barricade herself in her bedroom, but the quick-thinking PC prevented her by using herself as a doorstop, causing bruising from the top of her shoulder down to her elbow.

Police Federation chairman Steve White said: "It is an honour to be able to recognise these incredibly brave officers and thank them for their efforts.

"They all exemplify the very best in British policing, putting their own lives at risk, in their commitment to protect the public."