Two Lancashire police officers have been awarded medals for their gallant actions after one of their colleagues was shot and badly wounded.

Sergeant Paul Leigh and PC Lukmaan Mulla are both to receive the Queen’s Gallantry Medal. The two of them were involved in an armed siege outside the house in Hardman Avenue, Rawtenstall.

It all began when PC David Lomas attempted to make a routine arrest at the address. By the front door he was confronted by the occupant who, without warning, fired a shotgun directly the officer who was hit on the right side of his head and face.

Despite his injuries PC Lomas managed to move to the side of the house where he collapsed, bleeding heavily and struggling to breathe because of a collapsed right lung.

With no concern for their own safety, Sgt Leigh and PC Mulla sprang into action. Sgt Leigh darted across the line of fire and crouched over his injured colleague protecting him from petrol bombs being thrown from the house. PC Mulla grabbed a first aid kit from his car and also made his way to PC Lomas’s side.

With other officers joining in, PC Lomas was brought to safety before being transported in Lancashire’s Air Ambulance to the Royal Preston Hospital.

Both Sgt Leigh and PC Mulla are based in Rossendale in the Constabulary’s Pennine Division. Today their Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Jerry Graham said: “It is quite clear that the quick-thinking and decisive action shown by these officers prevented a colleague from being more seriously injured.

“These officers’ courageous and selfless actions helped save a life and we are all incredibly proud of them. They showed tremendous commitment to duty and to an injured colleague and they richly deserve this award.”

They certainly do. An extremely brave action by them both. Good on them