A POLICE officer who confronted a violent axeman in Glasgow City Centre shrugged off his bravery and said "it's what we signed up to do."

PC Alexander McCullough and PC Daniel White were first on the scene after the man, who had been attacking members of the public and was also armed with knives, in West Nile Street during rush hour.

The man was 'covered in blood and highly aggressive' and started slashing at his own neck.

The officers grabbed him and kept him restrained until paramedics arrived. He later died from his injuries.

Speaking for the first time about the incident in April this year, PC McCullough said: "We were just focused on trying to contain the situation and make sure no one got hurt.

"That’s our job; it’s what we signed up to do. You don’t realise the danger you’re in until afterwards.”

PC White, a police officer of 12 years, said it was a "confusing situation."

He added: “When we saw that the man was also attacking himself, it was quite shocking.

"When you’re in this position, you know that you are responsible for protecting people, so you just do it.”

The pair are among eight police officers from the city who have been recognised for their extraordinary acts of bravery at the Scottish Police Federation Bravery Awards.

Andrea MacDonald, Chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “The actions undertaken by these police officers that day were incredibly brave.

"They ran towards certain danger, knowing full well they were unarmed and could have fallen victim to the man’s attack.

"They stood their ground and went forward to protect others. This level of courage and commitment is simply breathtaking. Daniel and Alexander thoroughly deserve to be honoured for what they did.”

Four officers who pulled a violent man armed with a baseball bat from a house fire in Drumchapel, while protecting Fire Service colleagues, also won a bravery award.

The Glasgow North West Police officers, PC Michael Baxter, PC Derek Paton, PC David Robertson and PC Liam Burns, were called to a property earlier this year, after firefighters reported they were unable to enter the blazing building.

They had to subdue a man swinging a nail headed baseball bat and who had set fire to the block of flats he lived in.

PC Robertson, who was treated for smoke inhalation after the incident, said; “We just wanted to get the situation under control. Yes, it was frightening, but the main thing is just to do your job.”

Two officers who were badly injured as they confronted a gang of violent criminals, were also recognised at the awards.

PC Deborah Lawson and PC Robert Fitzsimmons were hospitalised after showing tremendous bravery at an incident in Knightswood late last year.

PC Lawson sustained serious injuries and PC Fitzsimmons, is credited with saving her life.

Ms MacDonald said: “Police officers never know what could happen when they attend a call. Debbie and Robert encountered an extremely dangerous situation and, sadly, were severely injured as a result.”

Stephen Mann, Chief Executive of Police Mutual, which sponsors the awards, said: "These annual awards are well-known for recognising inspiring acts of courage by police officers and members of the public. This year is no different, and we are once again reminded that outstanding bravery is being demonstrated every day in communities across Scotland. The winners are a credit to their family and friends, their communities, and the wider Police Service."

A total of 23 officers from across Scotland were honoured at a ceremony in the Macdonald Holyrood Hotel in Edinburgh last night.