TWO York police officers who bravely tackled a burglar as he threatened to kill them with a spiked metal mace will be honoured at a ceremony for unsung heroes next week.

PC Richard Farrar and PC Andrew Lewis overpowered and arrested 24-year-old John Harris when they caught him red-handed outside a York home.

Their actions will be recognised at the annual Police Bravery Awards ceremony in front of Home Secretary David Blunkett in London on Thursday next week, after a reception at 10 Downing Street.

They are among 45 officers from the 43 forces of England and Wales who have been nominated by fellow officers from their Police Federation for extreme acts of courage.

Mark Botham, vice-chairman of North Yorkshire Police Federation, said: "Constables Farrar and Lewis showed immense courage in a highly dangerous situation. Their nomination is well deserved and is testimony to the many risks that police officers take on a daily basis.

"On behalf of both North Yorkshire Police Federation and North Yorkshire Police we wish them both success.

"They have acted in line with the highest traditions of North Yorkshire Police."

The dramatic arrest took place in July last year, when the constables were called to a burglary taking place at a ground-floor flat in Horner Street, Clifton.

On arrival they found a smashed window with blood smeared around the outside. As PC Farrar checked an alleyway at the side of the property he was confronted by Harris who ran at him, swinging the mace over his head and shouting threats.

PC Lewis, who grabbed his baton to defend himself as the mace narrowly missed his head, said: "I was in extreme fear for the safety of Richard and myself as I thought this man was trying to kill us."

PC Farrar then threw himself at the attacker's legs and pulled him to the ground, where he was handcuffed and arrested.

At York Crown Court in March, the attacker was jailed for 12 months, after admitting burglary and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm.

Updated: 10:56 Wednesday, June 30, 2004