TWO detectives who confronted an armed murderer in Rawtenstall have won Lancashire police’s top bravery award.

DS Damian McAlister and DC Karen Kenworthy battled to save the life of Cherylee Shennan, 40, after she was stabbed and beaten with a hammer by her partner, Paul O’Hara, in March 2014.

The duo received the William Garnett Cup, awarded annually to the police officer who perform the most gallant deed of the year, at a ceremony in Preston.

Lancashire’s chief constable, Steve Finnigan, said the Bravery and Ambition Awards highlighted the best of the county’s policing.

He said: “Both DS McAlister and DC Kenworthy acted in an extremely brave and selfless manner in order to try to save this woman’s life, which was very sadly in vain.

“Their actions represent the very best of those carried out by our many outstanding police officers and staff in Lancashire, all of whom we are proud.”

O’Hara, 43, was given a whole-life prison sentence after he admitted murder and the wounding and assault of the two officers.

He had previously been sentenced to life in jail after killing a previous girlfriend, Janine Waterworth, in 1988, but was released on licence in 2013.

Mr Finnigan said: “It makes me feel immensely proud, as chief constable, that frontline officers and staff put themselves into dangerous situations in order to apprehend offenders or protect others and I am pleased we are able to give them the recognition they truly deserve, as well as an evening to remember.”

Ms Shennan, a beautician, was murdered at her home in Hardman Lane, Rawtenstall, on March 17, 2014.

Her family praised the police officers’ bravery after O’Hara was sentenced at Preston Crown Court last June.

Lancashire’s police and crime commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, said: “Lancashire Police has countless numbers of committed and courageous officers who give their all to helping those who are most in need.

“Those being recognised are the highlights of the incredible work Lancashire’s police officers do day in, day out, often putting the needs of others above their own.

“I am incredibly proud to have such hardworking, dedicated people working for this force. They are an asset to the constabulary and they deserve all of the praise headed their way.

“I would like to personally congratulate the officers being recognised and thank them for all the hard work they put in.”