OFF-DUTY police sergeant Sue Martin was rewarded for her bravery after intervening to stop a violent prisoner escaping.

The Marlow-based officer stepped in when she was travelling near Bicester last October and spotted a police car ahead with a prisoner kicking out the windows and trying to escape.

Sgt Martin was commended with PC Alison Brown from Aylesbury, who also assisted, last Friday at the Royal British Legion in St Mary Street, High Wycombe.

The ceremony commended officers and members of the public for outstanding service to the Chiltern Vale police area.

Kate Spark, a spokesman for Thames Valley Police, said: "The man was extremely violent and tried to cut his head and neck on the glass. Alison and Sue stopped to assist. Alison secured the man's head while Sue removed the broken glass.

"They travelled with the prisoner and other officers until they arrived safely at their destination."

Chiltern Vale Sector Commander Superintendent John Donlon said of their commendation for courage: "When those people do something above and beyond what we and the public expect of them we need to do something extra to show our thanks."