A HAMPSHIRE police officer who suffered severe injuries as she wrestled with a violent driver will receive a Police Bravery Award.

Constable Vikki Sharpe will be recognised for her actions at the 21st Police Bravery Awards on July 14 at The Dorchester in London.

The awards honour and recognise police officers who have performed outstanding acts of bravery while on or off duty, and are sponsored by Police Mutual.

Pc Sharpe was on duty alone on June 15, 2014, when she stopped a car which was being driven erratically on the M3 near Basingstoke.

She requested a breath test from the driver who then became aggressive and started struggling with her for some 15 minutes, with the officer trying to prevent them both being dragged onto the motorway, which could have been potentially fatal.

Pc Sharpe tried to handcuff the driver but he resisted and fought so much that only one of his wrists could be cuffed.

As the pair of them fought the driver managed to grab his car keys and get back into his car, where during the violent struggle Pc Sharpe instinctively handcuffed the driver to the steering wheel.

She then leant into the car attempting to grab the keys. But the driver started the engine and shifted the car into reverse, ramming into the police car, all while Pc Sharpe was still clinging on to the car.

Pc Sharpe used her CS spray and her baton in a further attempt to gain control but this was infective.  

As a result of the struggle Pc Sharpe received a broken hand as well as bruising all over her body.

The driver managed to get away but despite immense pain the officer managed to get into her damaged police car and took up the pursuit.  

It was here where her other colleagues took over and Pc Sharpe pulled over where she collapsed at the side of the motorway through pain, shock and exhaustion.  

As a result of the struggle on the M3, Pc Sharpe sustained a broken hand, damage to her ribs, back and shoulder pain and spent three months off work and spent time on sleeping tablets to battle through the pain.

The incident took its toll on her both physically and mentally.  

Two years on she still suffers with back and shoulder pain, and her hand has failed to recover to the level that it was previously.

John Apter, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, said: “Pc Sharpe displayed courage, tenacity and commitment to duty in what was a prolonged and sustained attack.

“Being attacked at the side of a live motorway placed the officer in extreme danger. It was only the officer’s bravery, professionalism and luck which prevented this from turning into a tragedy.

“Police officers perform a difficult and dangerous job and it is never acceptable for an officer to be assaulted while working to protect the public.”

Olivia Pinkney, Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary, said: “Pc Sharpe acted instinctively in what was a violent and dangerous situation, she acted without hesitation and even though badly injured continued to do her job on behalf of the public. I am so proud of Vikki, she is a credit to the constabulary.”

Pc Vikki Sharpe also received a Chief Constables’ Commendation for Bravery, a Crown Court Judge Commendation for Bravery and has been commended by her District Commander for exceptional leadership in the past.

The Police Bravery Awards, now in their 21st year and sponsored by Police Mutual, is an annual event which honours police officers across England and Wales for their actions to tackle criminals and keep the public safe.

However, following the news of Pc Sharpe’s award, the Police Federation and the government have come in for criticism from the public.

Many comments on Facebook highlighted how officers should never be sent out on patrol “single crewed”.

One commentator said it has once again proven to be “dangerous and unacceptable”.

Many also pointed towards government cuts being the reason behind the increase in single crew patrolling and highlight that officer assaults are on the rise as a result.