TWO police officers who chased down and arrested a knife murderer have been nominated for a national award.
PC Helen Burdett and Sergeant Mark Golds-Jones were called to reports of a break-in at a flat in Hyson Green on Bonfire Night, 2011.
Once inside they were faced with a distressed and bloodied Mark Calpin.
The 44-year-old had been stabbed five times by his friend, Gary Cooper, who had climbed in through the window and carried out the frenzied attack with a knife.
PC Burdett and Sergeant Golds-Jones administered first aid until the paramedics arrived – before realising Cooper, then 45 and over 6ft tall, had returned to the scene.
Shouting to her colleague, the 5ft 2in tall PC Burdett gave chase.
The pair caught and handcuffed Cooper and have now been nominated for Police Federation Bravery Awards.
PC Burdett said: "I thought if Cooper got away he could stab someone else. The risks didn't enter my mind.
"I'd taken another man outside because I didn't want him to see how badly hurt his friend was. While we were outside, Cooper turned up. He just came out of the shadows.
"I recognised him because we'd had dealings with him before over the years. He stood there and I said 'Gary, I need to talk to you', and then he ran."
Mr Calpin was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre, where he died from his injuries.
Cooper, who had been staying with Mr Calpin in Ashwell Gardens, was jailed for life at Nottingham Crown Court on October 1, 2012.
PC Burdett and Sergeant Golds-Jones will travel to Downing Street for the ceremony in October.
"To be singled out for the award when there are so many officers and staff doing incredible things every day is truly humbling for me," said Sergeant Gold-Jones, who has been with Notts Police for 29 years.
"I feel very proud to represent the force – but I do believe that almost anyone who found themselves in the position I was would have done the same."
In total 63 officers from across the country will attend the Police Federation Bravery Awards.
A formal drinks reception and awards dinner will be held after the officers have met Prime Minister David Cameron.
Notts Chief Constable Chris Eyre said: "I am enormously proud of the courage and care shown by Helen and Mark in the most challenging of circumstances.
"Their determination to save lives and catch a ferocious and drunken attacker represents the qualities and values that make British policing the envy of the world."
