A SCHOOLBOY tried to stab a police officer in the head while threatening to kill him.

But a colleague managed to stop the 14-year-old from landing the blow, potentially saving the officer's life.

Now PC Al Cromwell, based at Amesbury, has picked up an award for his actions.

The incident happened on February 23 in Bulford.

PC Cromwell and PC Thackray were called at 10.24pm to a report of a youth with a knife threatening his parents.

They arrived to find the teenager sitting down holding a four-inch kitchen knife by his leg.

He was verbally abusing and threatening the officers, but PC Cromwell, trying to keep the situation calm, approached him and tried to encourage him to hand over the weapon.

When the boy put the knife in his coat pocket, PC Cromwell moved in to try to take it off him.

He grabbed hold of the youth’s right wrist as he held the knife and tried to pull his arm around to his back to restrain him.

PC Thackray approached from the front and tried to restrain the youth’s other wrist, but lost his footing and fell, presenting his back as a target.

PC Cromwell had to use all his strength to prevent the youth bringing the knife straight down on the back of PC Thackray’s head, whilst the boy repeatedly screamed that he wanted to kill the officer.

The 14-year-old was arrested and was charged with affray.

He pleaded guilty in court and was sentenced to a 10-month Youth Referral order and fined.

PC Cromwell's award citation reads: "There is no doubt that PC Cromwell potentially saved the life of his colleague during this incident and he is hereby awarded a Chief Constable’s Commendation."