TWO police officers have been praised for their bravery after a machete-wielding man attacked them in the street.

The officers were responding to a caller who said a 24-year-old man had left a house in Norfolk Grove, Church, armed with a machete.

Minutes after receiving the report, the officers stopped to speak to a man and a woman walking along Henry Street in Church around 1.30am.

But as they wound down their window, police said the man ‘thrust the machete into the police van only missing their face by millimetres.’ Detectives investigating the incident yesterday, said the man then threatened to kill the officers if they tried to get out of the van.

Despite being sprayed with pava, a disabling liquid, the man and woman ran towards the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

The officers chased the pair on to the canal bank where they were again threatened with the machete being waved around by the man.

The pair then used their batons to disarm the man, tackled him to the ground and arrested him.

The 20-year-old woman who police said was carrying a knife, also had it knocked from her hand by their batons.

Police said two people had been arrested and were last night in custody undergoing a mental health assessment.

Neither officer was hurt in the incident.

Eastern division’s Chief Superintendent Bob Eastwood said: “These officers were presented with a very dangerous situation and they acted in accordance with their profession.

“I’m thankful they didn’t come to any harm during what must have been a terrifying situation.

“This incident highlights the level of danger a police officer can face day in and day out and they should be commended for their bravery and professionalism.”