Four officers who pulled a violent man armed with a baseball bat from a house fire in Drumchapel – while protecting fire service colleagues – have been awarded for their bravery.

Glasgow North West police officers PC Michael Baxter, PC Derek Paton, PC David Robertson and PC Liam Burns are amongst eight personnel recognised for their extraordinary acts at the Scottish Police Federation Bravery Awards.

The four 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.”

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.”

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.

Earlier this year, two men were cleared of attempted murder of PC Lawson and PC Fitzsimmons by running them down. The High Court heard how PC Lawson thought she was going to die when she was dragged for 14.5 metres. PC Fitzsimmons pushed her out of the way of the Qashqai. The pair sustained serious injuries.

Andrea MacDonald, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, 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.”

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