A brave cop who tackled a man with two meat cleavers outside a school has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.
Constable David Dinnen reported to duty on a rest day to attend court and had been countermanded when a number of calls came in about a man threatening people.
The officer grabbed keys for a car and attended the scene – close to schools – with his colleagues, Constable Hannah Mitchell and Constable David Moffat.
On spotting a man who matched the description of the suspect and had two bladed weapons, Constable Dinnen chased him and wrestled him onto the floor.
The incident happened near St Aloysius School in the Garnethill area of Glasgow on March 18 this year.
Constable Dinnen, who has now been shortlisted for a gong at the Scottish Police Federation Police Bravery Awards, said: “At the time I knew I had a duty of care to members of the public.
“It is a highly populated area with nearby schools, and commuters going to and from the city centre.
“My adrenaline was going. You don’t have much time to think about these things, about what’s going through your mind, but for me it was just about keeping people safe.”
The officers worked together to pin the man to the ground and were finally able to handcuff him once other officers arrived.
On searching him they recovered two large meat cleavers.
It was at this point that Constable Dinnen realised he had dislocated one of his fingers and sprained his ankle during the struggle.
He added that his wife was quite upset with him afterwards.
He said: “She thinks I’m a bit daft – it’s not the first time I’ve been in one of these situations. I tend to always be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
He will attend a Parliamentary reception at Holyrood on December 1, followed by an evening awards ceremony where one overall winner will be named.
This is the second Scottish Police Federation Police Bravery Awards, which honours officers who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty.
Constable Dinnen said: “It’s terrific recognition of the hard work that I put in every day.
“I have to stress, however, in this situation I was assisted by two of my very brave colleagues, Constable Hannah Mitchell and Constable David Moffett.
“They were with me the whole time and their bravery should not go unnoticed as well.
“Without them and without being part of a policing team, I wouldn’t have been able to do it on my own.”
Brian Docherty, Chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “Constable Dinnen put himself directly in harm’s way to protect innocent bystanders.
“His actions showed immense bravery and courage.”