A team of police officers from North Wales joined the First Minister of Wales to be personally thanked for their acts of bravery.

The event was hosted by Eluned Morgan at her Cardiff office and representatives from the Police Federation of England and Wales joined the eight officers at the First Minister’s invitation.

Ms Morgan commented: "It was great to congratulate the Welsh National Police Bravery Awards nominees, and winners, and hear their amazing stories.

She added: “It's so important we recognise their efforts. Thank you for all your hard work within our communities to keep us safe.”

The officers were faced by an aggressive man with a loaded gun. He was putting his vulnerable mother‘s life at risk.

The team were responding to a 999 call from a distressed female who was involved in an escalating argument with her adult son. During the 999 call the woman described how her son had experienced a “massive blowout”.

Sergeant Dylan Thomas, PC Rachael Roberts, PC Rob Burgess, PC Dion Hughes and PC Rob Williamson were sent to the house after being told by the force command centre that there had been mention of a gun during the initial 999 call.

Upon arrival, the officers were told by the mother her son was still inside the property. They could hear someone shouting at them to back off and the officers were also told by the individual that he was armed.

As the incident unfolded, Sergeant Thomas found himself looking down the barrel of the gun which was aimed directly at him by a man stood at the top of the stairs inside the house.

After a partly effective Taser discharge, the male fell down the stairs and was promptly arrested. He was subsequently charged with possession of an air rifle with intent to cause fear of violence.

Firearms officers examined the rifle and noted it had been cocked and loaded with a pellet in the chamber ready to be fired.

Zac Mader, PFEW National Board member representing the Welsh region, thanked the First Minister for hosting the meeting and he also added: “These officers had been told of the situation prior to their arrival at the property. They were aware someone was in distress and that the situation required emergency assistance. What they didn’t know was in what capacity the individual involved was armed.

“Police officers don’t get to define the nature of the incidents they are called to deal with and these officers put themselves into danger and potential harm in order to protect somebody in distress.

“As a wider policing family, we are very proud of what these officers did and the bravery with which they carried out their duties.”