British Transport Police has awarded a police commendation to a London Ambulance Service paramedic for his bravery in restraining a violent passenger.

The incident happened last year at Sudbury Hill station, when a violent passenger, armed with a weapon, jumped onto the tracks and tried to stab a Transport for London worker who was working on the tracks at the Piccadilly Line station.

The Tube worker and an off-duty British Transport Police officer tried to restrain the attacker, and were helped by London Ambulance Service paramedic Dean Hawkins, who was the first paramedic to arrive at the station and had jumped onto the tracks to help restrain the offender.

Soon afterwards, British Transport Police officers arrived, handcuffed the man and arrested him so that it was safe for Dean Hawkins to safely assess and treat him.

Chief Constable’s Commendations are awards that are usually reserved for police officers. However, the British Transport Police colleagues were so impressed by Dean’s bravery they immediately nominated him for an award.

Dean’s actions were incredible that day. He acted to save life by restraining a dangerous man armed with a weapon.

And while the rail he was on was safe, they were in close proximity to the electrified third rail and running lines.

It was a great pleasure for my colleagues and me to nominate Dean for this award which is one of the highest honours the police can award.

Sergeant Will Leyshon, British Transport Police

I’m very proud to be honoured for doing my job. Sometimes we do encounter danger but it doesn’t put me off the job.

I have made lifelong friends and it’s a privilege to be a paramedic and to be there for people when they need us the most.

Dean Hawkins, London Ambulance Service paramedic