A SUSSEX Police officer has been recognised after a ‘brave and tenacious act’ in arresting two masked men who broke into a property in Hailsham.
Police Constable Ben Barnatt was given a Chief’s Commendation earlier this month after tackling burglars who held a knife to the victim’s throat and made threats of violence, demanding to know where the safe and cash were. They also threatened to kill the victim’s dog.
The men made off on foot, but were quickly apprehended by PC Barnatt and PD Skye, who has sadly since passed away.
PC Barnatt recovered the knife from a jacket inside the stolen vehicle, which was on false plates and had been linked to other knife-related offences in the days leading up to the incident.
Both men were arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary, possession of a bladed article, and theft of a motor vehicle.
After receiving his award, PC Barnatt said: “It was an honour to receive this commendation from the Chief.
“To me, I was just doing my job, so to be recognised for it is lovely – and for Skye!”
The commendations marked the outstanding achievements of people from across policing, as well as members of the public who had stepped in to do the right thing.
