Have-a-go heroes from across the country were rewarded for their courage at the national Police Public Bravery Awards last Thursday.

At 6.00am on Friday, July 19, 2013 Hanwell resident, Dr Colm Hickey was confronted in his kitchen by a prolific and violent burglar.

Whilst Mr Hickey's wife Jag tried to keep their three scared children upstairs, he chased the robber and rugby tackled him in the garden where he was repeatedly punched in the face and threatened with a knife. Hearing the commotion neighbours came running to his help and the robber was caught and handed over to police.

The offender was arrested for assault and burglary and was sentenced to eight years and six months imprisonment.

Dr Colm Hickey, who is the director of education for the John Paul II Foundation for sport, said: "I'm very honoured and humbled to have received this award but my neighbour Martin Bedborough was equally deserving of it as he helped me catch the burglar. He came to my aid as I was fighting him in the garden. My wife was there too. She'd had to shut the children in the house as they were adamant they wanted to get their wooden swords to help!

"The hooded burglar then managed to run away from us into the street but luckily a cyclist deliberately cycled into him knocking him over. At this point all my neighbours came out to help catch him and hold him until the police arrived.

"The most incredible and moving thing is feeling so grateful to my neighbours who came to my aid. It is very good to know that we have all got each others back."

Dr Hickey has lived in Hanwell since 1980 and describes it as a 'fantastic community'.

The national awards, organised by South Yorkshire Police held in Harrogate, saw 38 members of the public, aged between ten to 76 recognised for acts of outstanding bravery in assisting the police.

The award is considered annually by a selection committee with nominations submitted by chief officers in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.