SHOCKING video footage showing the moment three courageous police officers restrained a man holding a knife to a woman’s throat in front of her two terrified children while their Basingstoke home was on fire has been released by police.

The footage captured on body-worn cameras shows PC Robert Davies, PC James Pawley and PC James Langmead’s courageous efforts during the incident on June 24, 2022, released ahead of the National Police Bravery Awards, for which they have been nominated. 

The officers were called to the address in Basingstoke following reports of a domestic disturbance.

The video shows the moment the officers forced their way into the property after there was no answer at the door.

Upon entering the home just after 6.30am they found furniture and children’s toys on the stairs blocking their access and could hear screaming coming from upstairs.

The video shows their quick-thinking actions as they removed the furniture and barged their way upstairs, where PC Davies discovered a man holding a knife to a woman’s throat on a bed, with her two very young children watching on.

READ MORE: Butler Close attempted murder: Kyle Butler sentenced to life

PC Davies calmly and clearly spoke to the man and made every attempt to get him to back down and release the victim and her terrified children, but he refused to surrender.

Officers then discovered a bunk bed on fire in another room and PC Pawley and PC Langmead rushed to get the blaze under control as the woman and her children were held hostage in the next room.

As the house filled with smoke, PC Pawley and PC Langmead shouted instructions to officers on the stairs, trying to get the burning items out of the house.

The heroic officers managed to get a blazing mattress down the stairs and out of the house as black smoke filled the room where the woman and her children were still in danger.

SEE ALSO: Basingstoke mother speaks of 'horror' moment ex-partner held a knife to her throat

Swift action was needed as smoke continued to build and the man threatened to cut the woman's throat. 

The three officers rushed to the man to disarm him and save the woman and children, with PC Pawley suffering a stab in the hand during the scuffle.

The woman also suffered a stab wound but managed to escape the burning building with her children as police shouted instructions to her to get out.

Despite his injury, PC Pawley continued to command the scene, giving clear instructions to his colleagues, resulting in the restraint and arrest of the man on suspicion of attempted murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

He was taken to Southampton General Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, while PC Pawley received treatment for his serious hand injury, which needed surgery.

Several other officers were treated for smoke inhalation.

In April, 29-year-old Kyle Butler, of Cannon Close, Ellisfield, was found guilty of attempting to murder his ex-partner after holding a knife to her neck and setting fire to her home.

He was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court in May to life in prison and must serve a minimum of 19 years and 31 days.

SEE MORE: Victim praised for 'bravery and courage' as ex-partner jailed for life

Zoë Wakefield, Hampshire Police Federation chair, said: “All the officers’ ability in managing a high-pressured, control and restraint situation with an armed and dangerous individual, to then turning to a victim-focused care and support mindset, for the mother and children on scene, and for their colleagues too, demonstrated their great skill and significant empathy. A testament to the experience and training they have gathered over their service period.

“The combined quick thinking and actions of all officers involved, led by PCs Pawley and Davies, undoubtedly saved lives and saved property, and what could have had a horrific ending resulted in three saved lives and a disturbed and dangerous individual in handcuffs.”

Chief Constable Scott Chilton, from Hampshire Constabulary, said: “There is no question the brave actions of PC Davies, PC Pawley and PC Langmead that day saved lives and I am so proud their courage is being recognised nationally.

“Despite being confronted with such a dangerous situation, these officers did not hesitate to put themselves in harm’s way, knowing the lives of a mother and her young children were relying on their swift and decisive action.

“PC Pawley showed immense strength to carry on despite being stabbed, going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure no one else was harmed.

“Every day our officers find themselves first at a scene and if they don’t act fast and with complete professionalism, lives would be lost, and this is a clear example of that.

“Congratulations to the three of you and we wish you the best of luck at the awards ceremony later this year.”

The National Police Bravery Awards honour officers from across England and Wales who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty.

As nominees, the officers will attend a reception and an awards ceremony in London in July.