THE POLICE officer held hostage at knifepoint during a terrifying three-hour siege at a Hampshire flat has spoken for the first time about his ordeal.

At an awards ceremony that saw superintendent's congratulations and chief constable's commendations handed out to officers, special praise was given to PC Ben Bennett, 53, who told the Daily Echo how he was held against his will.

The married father of two, who has been a Hampshire police officer for 30 years, said: "It's a good thing to be presented, but at the time it was very frightening.

"It was harrowing but rewarding at the same time.

"I was glad I was able to talk to the chap and keep him fairly calm.

"The reaction of my colleagues was brilliant, but I didn't like having to jump out of a window.

"I definitely look at life differently now. We have to do a job and the job's done."

PC Bennett was among 53 police officers, support staff people honoured at a special ceremony for bravery or actions above and beyond the call of duty.

Commanding officer, Supt Graham Haycock, said: "PC Bennett remained calm throughout, managing to talk to the man and keep him reasonably calm.

"He negotiated with the man and when that failed, he jumped out of a first floor window."

The ordeal was sparked after PC Bennett responded to a 999 call to the home in Gosport Road, Fareham.

Negotiators were drafted in to try to secure the release of the officer but the siege was eventually brought to an end after specially-trained officers stormed the property.

PC Bennett, who lives in Fareham, had spent hours negotiating with the man before jumping out of a first-floor window to freedom.

He was unhurt and reunited with his family immediately after his release, before returning to work at Fareham Police station the next day.