PC Gary Kendrew, PC Harry Taylor, PC Zach Meadows and dog handler PC Chris Grady were on active patrol in Scunthorpe town centre on 27 July last year when PC Meadows noticed a man acting suspiciously.

PC Meadows then notified his colleagues that he was going to challenge the man as he believed he would enter a nearby property to try and escape.

As the man took off, PC Meadows began his pursuit. Switching his body-worn camera on, he gave his colleagues live information about where he was and what was happening.

Terrifyingly the suspect then stopped dead, reached into his bag and pulled out a handheld firearm which a court later heard he pointed in the direction of PC Meadows before firing.

All the officer could do was raise his hands in a desperate bid to protect himself, but with incredible fortune, the bullet missed him.

Courageously PC Meadows decided to continue the pursuit, not knowing whether the man would be prepared to fire the gun at him again.

A few moments later, PC Grady and his police dog arrived at the scene, and PC Meadows directed the dog handler to where the man appeared to be heading.

PC Grady and his PD Xander continued the pursuit before the man burst into a neighbouring garden and climbed onto a single storey roof. Seeing other officers clambering up onto the roof to join him, the man squeezed into the property via an open window.

Realising he was attempting to escape arrest by going through the building and out via the front door, PCs Taylor, Kendrew, and Grady surrounded the front exit.

The officers could see children’s toys in the property and knew they could not risk the armed man creating a hostage situation or harming anyone who might have been inside.

They decided to enter the property, where they tracked the man down, got him under control and made the arrest, all the while not knowing whether he was still armed or if he was prepared to use the gun against them.

The man later pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

Humberside Police Federation Chair Lee Sims said the incident had seen the officers effectively put all thoughts of their own safety to one side in a bid to get the dangerous gunman off the streets.

“The man had already shown he was not afraid to fire a gun at a police officer, so for them to proactively continue the pursuit without knowing whether he would do so again is to their enormous credit,” he said.

“They showed incredible bravery and were determined that this individual would not harm their colleagues or innocent members of the public. They made sure this dangerous individual was off our streets.

“We are very proud of Gary, Harry, Zach and Chris - and let's not forget PD Xander - and they are all very worthy nominees for a National Police Bravery Award.”

The National Police Bravery Awards honour officers from across England and Wales who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty.

As nominees, PCs Kendrew, Taylor, Meadows and Grady will join colleagues from across the country in attending a reception and an evening awards ceremony in London in July.

The awards are sponsored by Police Mutual.