TWO police officers who tackled a drug-crazed gunman who had threatened to kill his ex-girlfriend have been nominated for a prestigious award.

Sergeant Andrew Walton and constable Raymond Taylor, from Cleveland Police, will be among 65 police officers from around the country to attend the Police Bravery Awards in London next month.

Both men have been nominated for the award after tackling a man who had threatened to kill his former girlfriend.

The drama unfolded on Sunday September 26, 1999, when the man drove to his ex-girlfriends house in Hart Village, near Hartlepool, armed with a gun.

On discovering she had moved, he went next door and held a gun to the occupant's head before demanding to know where she was.

After fleeing the scene, his car registration numbers were given to Sgt Walton and PC Taylor, both armed response officers, who lay in wait for him at his house.

As he drove towards them, they signalled for him to stop, but he sped off and after a while he lost control at a bend.

PC Taylor drove the police car alongside the gunman's car to prevent him from leaving by the driver's door. The man then moved across to the passenger seat to escape.

Sgt Walton left the police car and approached the gunman, during which a struggle ensued, with the gunman trying to point the gun at him.

PC Taylor was able to grab the hand containing the gun and strike the man with his other hand. The gunman was knocked to the ground where he lost his grip on the weapon, leading to his arrest.

It was later revealed that the firearm showed that it was a .22 handgun loaded with live ammunition and ready to fire.

PC Brian Docherty, chairman of Cleveland Police Federation said: "Both men displayed considerable courage in a potentially life threatening situation. Their nomination is well deserved and is testimony to the many risks that police officers take on a daily basis."