A Heathrow ambulanceman who single-handedly halted a killing spree by a crazed schizophrenic has been nominated for a Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Award.
Frank Samaras, 51, who has worked with the London Ambulance Service for nine years, has been nominated for the Emergency Service Award.
In November 2006 he was called to Harlington High Street, where released mental patient and Tunisian illegal immigrant Laidi Benomor had just kicked a motorist to death.
When Mr Samaras arrived, Benomor was attacking another man, Philip Dennison, 69, who had stopped to help.
Courageously Mr Samaras distracted the attacker, and dragged him off two passing women who he had started punching in the head.
By the time reinforcements arrived Mr Samaras had saved three people, and as police took over, he collapsed from injuries and exhaustion.
The father-of-two said: "Words cannot describe how shocked I was when I heard I'd been nominated for a Pride of Britain award. "What happened that day will stay with me for the rest of my life, but I don't think of myself as a hero."
The award, also known as the 999 Award, is decided by public vote, and the winner will be announced when the results are screened tonight (Wednesday) on ITV1 at 8pm.
