A HEROIC police officer who tried to save a man who had been brutally stabbed in the street has been commended for his bravery.

PC Daniel Smith delivered emergency first aid in Basildon town centre to Daniel Mitchell-Monroe who sadly died from his injuries.

Mr Mitchell-Monroe was 37 when he was stabbed three times in a shocking attack outside Iceland in June 2016.

Joram Bakumanya, who was 22 at the time, had followed Mr Mitchell-Monroe’s niece Armani Lewis through the town centre, threatening to slap her and demanding her phone number.

Ms Lewis called her uncle for help and Mr Mitchell-Monroe confronted Bakumanya and a fight broke out.

Bakumanya stabbed Mr Mitchell-Monroe three times with a large kitchen knife before he fled and discarded the weapon.

Immediately arriving on the scene, PC Smith and a colleague gave emergency first aid in what was described as an “extremely distressing incident which took place in a busy town centre”.

A spokesman for Essex Police added: “Daniel and his colleague were commended for their tenacity, professionalism and dedication while attempting to save a life.”

Bakumanya is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years after he was convicted of murder in 2017 at Basildon Crown Court.

The officers were commended at a special ceremony held at Essex Police Headquarters, in Chelmsford, on Monday.

The event was held to celebrate their actions of bravery and courageousness during dangerous and difficult situations. Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington awarded the individuals with a commendation which is one of the highest honours the top cop can give.

But it wasn’t just police officers being awarded at the ceremony.

In September 2016, Mr Dilshad Rijabe, a member of the public, entered a house that was on fire to rescue a woman who was trapped inside.

Dilshad put himself in danger and suffered smoke inhalation to save the woman from the burning building. He was treated at the scene of the fire before being taken to hospital.

Mr Dilshad Rijabe was commended for his bravery, selflessness and decisive action which undoubtedly helped to save the life of a vulnerable woman.

Addressing the group, Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said: “It brings me great pleasure to host these ceremonies to celebrate ordinary individuals taking extra-ordinary steps to help save the lives of others, protect the vulnerable and keep the people of Essex safe.

“We give an extra special well done to Mr Rijabe, a member of the public, putting his own life at risk by running into a burning building. It might be what our officers, staff and volunteers do on a daily basis but their actions are courageous and I take great pride in being able to award them.”