A WOMAN'S courage has been praised after she helped restrain her violent, drug-crazed neighbour.
Denise Schofield, of Tellson Avenue, Plumstead, came to the aid of paramedics and police attempting to restrain the 21-year-old who was under the influence of crack cocaine and armed with a pair of scissors and a craft knife which she had been using to slash herself.
She threatened to attack anyone who came near her and paramedics were unable to stop her bleeding. But Mrs Schofield, arrived on the scene and, quietly and calmly, talked to her neighbour, winning her trust. She then grabbed the woman's wrist and seized the knife, while police leapt forward to restrain her.
At a special ceremony for police bravery in Charlton House, Chief Superintendent Sharon Kerr said: "Mrs Schofield acted with great courage, placing herself in considerable danger, with little thought for her own safety."
November 13, 2001 11:57
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