TWO Avon and Somerset Police officers have visited 10 Downing Street after being nominated to attend an awards ceremony for bravery in policing.

Sergeant Nick Dalrymple and PC Mitchell Raymond were nominated for the Police Bravery Awards 2024 after coming to the rescue of a distressed man on the M5.

Sgt Dalrymple, with his wife Louise, and PC Raymond, with colleague PC Jack Denning, visited Downing Street to meet Home Office Minister of State Dame Diana Johnson and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

They were later joined by Clare Moody, Avon & Somerset Police & Crime Commissioner, for a formal ceremony at the Royal Lancaster London.

The incident that the pair’s nomination relates to took place on May 28, 2023.

That evening, Sgt Dalrymple was alerted to a concern for welfare incident involving a pedestrian on the M5 southbound carriageway on the Avonmouth Bridge.

First on the scene, he made attempts to reach the man which included placing his police car across the motorway.

This was busy in light of the bank holiday weekend.

PC Raymond, who was off duty at the time and had never met Sgt Dalrymple before, was driving home from work and came to Sgt Dalrymple’s aid.

They were able to safely detain the man in order to get him the medical help and support that he needed.

Both officers received a Chief Constable’s Commendation for their efforts in November last year and were nominated for the Police Bravery Awards this May.

“It was an honour to be nominated for this award with Sgt Dalrymple,” said PC Raymond.

“It was a completely surreal experience being able to walk around Downing Street.

“It was an unbelievable moment in my life and something I will never forget.

“The event in the evening was also incredible, and we got to meet all the other officers who were nominated.

“The stories from every force were truly inspiring, and it was great to be able to be recognised for all the hard work we do.

"I have made a friend for life with Sgt Dalrymple.

“Spending this week with him and his wife was an absolute pleasure, and I had no idea, nor did I expect, how this incident would lead to this incredible experience.”

Sgt Dalrymple said he was honoured to walk through the “inner sanctum” of 10 Downing Street.

“It was also a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation for our loved ones for all the support they give us,” he added.

“The awards ceremony was extremely humbling, as we heard the amazing accounts of heroism displayed by our colleagues across the breadth of the UK.

“The recipients of the regional and national awards were worthy and deserving winners, and we were genuinely humbled to be in their presence and hear about their incredible bravery.”