A police call handler has been praised for the way she helped a mum who had barricaded herself and her children into a room.

The mother, from Canterbury, called the police while in the throes of a mental health crisis, shortly before 11am on March 12.

The woman had locked herself and her young children into a room after police officers had called at her property to check on her welfare.

As a victim of domestic abuse, she was frightened by the men's presence, and was panicking and scared.

Call handler and dispatcher Gia Fulker picked up the woman's 999 call.

Ms Fulker calmed the woman down, taking time to negotiate with her and perform breathing exercises.

After about half an hour, the woman calmed down and engaged with the officers who had visited her property, who were able to offer further support.

Ms Fulker has now been praised for the way she negotiated with the woman.

Chief Inspector Lee Cheesman said: "I am incredibly impressed with the professionalism and compassion shown by Gia on this call.

"The way she dealt with the situation was amazing and her actions safeguarded two young children who were in a situation they did not understand.

"Gia quickly recognised she was speaking to a lady who was not only frightened but incredibly vulnerable and went beyond her training to calm the situation. She acted with patience and kindness and I would like to commend her for her efforts."