POLICE officers from Barry have been commended for their bravery in intervening in a mass brawl at a town centre pub last August.

As part of the Chief Superintendent's Commendations Ceremony last week, PC Gareth Holmes and PCSO Keiron Clarke were awarded for their actions during a bloody fight at the Fizz Bar on Market Street.

The pair were on patrol in Barry on Saturday, August 8 when they were called to the bar and upon arrival were confronted by a group of people fighting.

With some people already bloodied, glasses and bottles being smashed and tables being upturned, the pair had to act quickly to make arrests and restore some order.

Despite being outnumbered, and in significant danger, they physically intervened and separated fighting parties until other officers arrives at the scene.

Three people were arrested and charged with using threatening behaviour. They pleaded guilty and were fined at court.

At the same commendation ceremony, two other Barry officers were recognised for their parts in securing convictions in court cases.

DC Andy Moffatt for tracing victims of multiple rape and sexual assaults and putting together a case file leading to a defendant being sentenced for 13 years and DC Rachel Knowles for working closely with government and non-government departments on a child abduction case which resulted in the offender being sentenced to more than six years in jail.

Fellow Barry officer PC Richard Colema was commended for his actions in trying in vain to save the life of a one year-old baby and administering CPR in difficult circumstances.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Parfitt congratulated all the police officers who attended the event at the Brewery Field, Bridgend.

“The evening was a reflection of just how diverse police work can be<" he said. "Day in, day out, officers are putting themselves on the line. They are at the sharp end of public service, and are expected to deal whatever comes their way, be it danger, tragedy, or complexity.

“Each year, there is never of a shortage of candidates who deserve to be commended, so I would like to congratulate each and every one of them, and reassure local communities across the region that they have a fine team of police officers, PCSOs and police staff who work hard to keep them safe.”