A BRAVE Burnham policeman could be up for a national award after catching a violent wanted criminal while he was off duty.

Special Constable Chris Guest swung into action after spotting the felon strolling around Highbridge just days after he had been briefed about him.

Unpaid volunteer policeman PC Guest found his memory for faces to be crucial when he came face-to-face with the wanted crook and decided to stop him in his tracks.

This week he learned he would be receiving a commendation from the chief superintendent in April after his superior Sgt Julian Brandon put him forward - and another honour could be on the way.

Sgt Brandon explained the timeline leading up to the constable's actions: "It would have been about 3.45pm and he was on his way through Highbridge when he spotted the wanted character and pulled over nearby.

"He saw the guy go into a block of flats in Church Road. He went to approach him and the wanted individual shut the door and tried to get into the block of flats.

"The officer had to force entry on his own. He hadn't got any of his protective equipment or anything like that and he still managed to apprehend him."

The man, who has now been imprisoned, had been wanted for a breach of a community order given following an assault and Sgt Brandon praised the quick thinking of his special constable.

"It does happen from time to time that people make off duty arrests but I think it's the first time I have heard of a special doing it," he said.

"When I cited these incidents to the chief superintendent he said he was going to give him a commendation in April. It acknowledges Chris's bravery, tenacity and commitment to the job."

"I also think Chris is a good candidate to be put forward for a national award for the best special in the country."