HERO Greenock PCs Laura Sayer and Kenneth MacKenzie and their colleagues have been praised for their bravery by independent police investigators.

A report published by the Police Investigations & Review Commissioner (PIRC) hailed the constables, who were attacked and stabbed after responding to an incident in Gateside Gardens on June 1, for their 'professionalism, sound judgement and extreme bravery'.

The watchdog also ruled that the officer who had deliberately knocked the attacker down in his car had acted appropriately.

In her findings, commissioner Kate Frame concluded that the officers’ actions were 'proportionate and justified' as they used a type of pepper spray - PAVA - and a police car to bring the incident to a conclusion.

Chief Superintendent Gordon Crossan, divisional commander for Inverclyde and Renfrewshire, said: "I welcome the findings of the PIRC and, in particular, her recognition that our officers acted with extreme bravery and professionalism.

"This was a traumatic incident for all involved but in very difficult circumstances, our officers responded quickly and decisively to ensure the incident was brought to an end.

"Laura and Kenneth have received so much support from their colleagues in Police Scotland and the wider community over the past few months and we are very grateful that they are both recovering well from their injuries.

"This incident is an example of some of the challenging situations which our police officers face every day and I would like to thank all of the officers involved again for the bravery they showed."

William Taylor, 43, was charged with attempting to kill PCs MacKenzie and Sayer but was acquitted last month on mental health grounds and is now detained for psychiatric treatment.

The officers were presented with a police bravery award a fortnight ago.