Five policemen have received awards for the way they tackled a crazed knifeman who was stabbing himself in front of horrified shoppers in the crowded John Lewis department store in the Harlequin centre, Watford.

PC Chris Aherne and PCSO Steve Shaw were the first at the scene when the man brandished the knife before stabbing himself at 1pm on Wednesday, June 8. They were soon joined by Sergeant Conrad White, PC Kirk Dawson and PCSO Karl Walford, and the group isolated the man before using a Taser gun.

The men received the Chief Constable’s Commendation at an awards ceremony at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City on March 1.

PC Aherne, who has been in the force for nine years, was on an undercover operation in plain clothing when he was called to the incident.

He said: "I have dealt with far too many incidents like that before.

"Everything is crazy, everything is different and everything is new.

"Our job is to deal with things that just shouldn't happen."

The officers gave the man first aid for about five minutes while they waited for paramedics to reach the store.

PC Aherne said: "When you are administrating first aid, time slows down and it seems like a lifetime."

Staff from the Harlequin stopped traffic in the ring road, at the traffic lights opposite Lower High Street, to allow an ambulance through.

The man, who had mental health problems, was then taken to Watford Grammar School for Girls, in Lady’s Close, where the Hertfordshire Air Ambulance was waiting.

He remained in a serious condition in hospital for some time, but survived his injuries.

The awards night is held to recognise long service, outstanding work and bravery in the force.

PC Aherne added: "It was brilliant and we are all very proud of each other - I don’t think we get enough recognition.

"I think that everyone who was there deserves it.

"The John Lewis security were really good.

"Everything came together and I think everyone deserved the credit not just us."

Deputy Chief Constable Heather Valentine said: "All the officers involved, despite coming from differing teams, worked exceptionally well together which enabled this incident to reach its successful conclusion."