A HAMPSHIRE police dog handler who braved an atacker who went on a violent rampage with a fire extinguisher has been nominated for a prestigious police bravery award.

PC Kelly Bartle has been nominated as part of the 24th Police Bravery Awards, being staged in London on July 18.

The awards, held by the Police Federation of England and Wales and sponsored by Police Mutual, recognise police officers who perform outstanding acts of bravery whilst on or off duty.

PC Bartle, from the Isle of Wight, was nominated after a man waving a three-feet-long stick walked towards her vehicle.

She got out of the van and shouted at the man to put the weapon down, but he continued towards her so PC Bartle released police dog Chase.

The dog jumped at the man who then swung the stick and struck the officer on the head.

The man then grabbed a fire extinguisher and swung it towards her, hitting her arm.

He sprayed the fire extinguisher, causing PC Bartle to lose her vision and knocking her glasses off.

The man followed PC Bartle as she backed away, so she tried to use her CS spray, but it was ineffective.

The man hit the police van with the fire extinguisher, smashing the windscreen.

He carried on spraying the officer, who still could not see and was struggling to breathe, until other officers arrived at the scene.

Alex Charge, Chair of Hampshire Police Federation, said: “The bravery and professionalism shown by PC Bartle went above and beyond the normal call of duty.

"She showed exceptional bravery in incredibly dangerous circumstances.”

John Perks, Chief Executive Officer of sponsors Police Mutual, said: “Police Mutual is very proud to be supporting the Police Bravery Awards for the 11th consecutive year.

“To all of you who have been nominated, be rightly proud of yourselves and your achievements. When it mattered most, you stepped up.

" You proved that your commitment to keeping the public safe did not waver, even when tested in the most trying of circumstances.

“At Police Mutual, my colleagues and I are deeply honoured to be able to show our appreciation for your bravery in keeping us safe. We hope that we can continue to play our part in helping improve the lives of the police family.”