TWO policemen whose quick-thinking and bravery rescued a man from killing himself have been praised for their actions.

Tadley Pc Lyndon Barrett and Whitchurch Pc Neal Whatmore were commended for their "brave and professional action" by Basingstoke's divisional commander, Superintendent Alison Queen, after they saved a man who tried to hang himself last October.

The two officers broke into the 48-year-old's room in Whitchurch - he had barricaded the door - and found him hanging by a belt and unconscious. They managed to release him in time to save his life.

The man was believed to have a knife when the police were called, and had a history of self-harming and possessing knives.

Praising the men for their bravery, Supt Queen told The Basingstoke Extra: "It was clear that if it had not been for their swift actions, this man might have died."

Pc Barrett, 36, said a public order team would usually be called to incidents where someone is armed, but he and Pc Whatmore knew that in this case they were running out of time.

He explained: "There came the point where we thought: 'There's no response from the room, so we have to do something,' and we forced entry.

"We made sure we were wearing protective vests - if you go into a room where there is somebody with a knife, you know something's going to happen.

"When I heard I was getting a commendation, I was pleased somebody has recognised the work I do."

Several other officers and support staff were also recognised at the divisional commander's award ceremony, held in the Mayor's Parlour.

Detective Constables Neil Cussen, Brian Haughey and Geoff Tanner were commended for their 18-month investigation into a vicious robbery with a hammer at Norn Hill Post Office.

Speaking at the ceremony, Supt Queen said: "Forensic issues and old-fashioned detective work brought three successful convictions on three violent, crack-addicted professional criminals.

"Det Cons Cussen, Haughey and Tanner were responsible for this success by their tenacity, professionalism and dedication."

Off-duty detection officer Kevin Hack was commended for his bravery after he arrested a distraction burglar who targetted his neighbour's home, overpowering the burglar even though he received a small head injury during the struggle.

WPc Karen Jones was commended in recognition of her good work and professionalism during the trial of psychotherapist Christopher Allison, who was jailed for eight years after being found guilty of 10 indecent assaults and two rapes involving women patients who had come to him for help.

WPc Jones was assigned to organise approximately 180 witnesses and look after victims from all over the country.

Supt Queen said: "Some witnesses were vulnerable or elderly and had to be transported to Winchester by air, rail and car, and it was of paramount importance that witnesses were looked after before and during the trial."

Probationer Pc Peter Steele was given a commendation for good work and performance across the board - Supt Queen called him "a great example to other probationers as well as an inspiration to more experienced officers."

Civillian staff member Gina Glover was also commended for work and commitment to the administration department.