A HAMPSHIRE police officer who suffered life changing injuries attempting to tackle two Andover criminals has been honoured with a prestigious national award.

PC Jo Moyce was recently named as the winner of the British Association of Women in Policing’s Bravery Award.

The top honour is the latest of several awards for the police dog handler, who has been showered with praise for her actions during a terrifying attack in Andover last year.

An experienced dog handler, who works as part of the Joint Operations Unit, PC Moyce was subjected to a frightening attack in January 2015 when she tried to arrest two men in Andover suspected of being in a stolen van.

With the help of her police dog, three-year-old German Shepherd Mac, she tracked the two men to a nearby alleyway.

As she approached the van it drove at speed towards her and when it collided with a hedge, the two inside tried to make their escape.

But PC Moyce clung on to the vehicle, which started the driver had started to reverse, dragging her along with it as she was punched in the head and kicked in the jaw.

Determined not to let the two escape PC Moyce clung on and tried desperately to disengage the gear stick.

The driver got out and tried to pull his accomplice free but PC Moyce kept hold of him, resulting in her getting kicked in the head.

She held on until back-up arrived and the two were arrested, charged and later sentenced to three years in prison each.

Such were the extent of her injuries, it was ten months before PC Moyce could resume full operational duties.

Receiving a Chief Constable Commendation last year, she was praised for representing the Constabulary with the highest level of professionalism and bravery.

Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney, who attended the ceremony, said: “It is wonderful that PC Jo Moyce has been awarded with this national honour.

"Every day across the country, police officers work extremely hard to keep their local communities safe. They come to work knowing that their job has an element of risk, as part of their duty to protect the public, but being assaulted must never been seen as just part of the job.

“Despite this frightening attack by these two violent men, PC Moyce displayed great courage and this award is much-deserved.

“I am so impressed by her actions that day. She is a great role model and inspiration to all in policing.”

Also there to watch PC Moyce accept her award was Superintendent Andrew Houghton, head of operations for the Joint Operations Unit for Hampshire and the Thames Valley.

He added: “PC Moyce demonstrated immense bravery and professionalism during this terrifying attack.

“Thanks to her courage and determination for justice, these two dangerous men were immediately detained so that they no longer posed a threat to the public.

“I am delighted her actions that day have received this recognition as she went well beyond the call of duty.

“I also hope that her act of bravery comes as some reassurance to the people of Hampshire; showing that those working around the clock to keep them safe are of the highest calibre and are willing to go that extra mile to bring criminals to justice.

“Police officers know that they do a difficult and dangerous job protecting the public but it is never acceptable for an officer to be assaulted.

“Coming back to work after this traumatic event and an extended period away does not go unnoticed.

“Support from family, friends and work colleagues has been invaluable in making the return smoother, as well as her unquestioned love of being a police dog handler.”

PC Moyce’s police dog Mac was also rewarded with a box of dog treats.