A ROAD Policing officer who was assaulted and sustained a broken hand after attending an accident on the M11 last year has been recognised for her bravery.

Essex Police’s PC Brettell, who has served for more than 20 years, has been honoured for bravery at the British Women in Policing Awards as a runner-up.

She received her accolade from the British Association of Women in Policing at a ceremony at the Carden Park Hotel in Cheshire on June 5, and was presented with the certificate by its president Chief Constable Michelle Skeer.

PC Brettell said: "I am absolutely delighted and honoured to be a runner-up in the BWAP award.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been grateful for all the opportunities Essex Police has afforded me, from being the first woman PC Road Scene Manager, a pursuit driver and tutoring new traffic officers.

“And this nomination is something I’m incredibly proud of.”