by Lynn Cox

A Gillingham woman who put herself between a boy and an out of control Rottweiler to stop the dog from attacking the child has won an award for her bravery.

Sally Ann Sutton, of Maidstone Road, Rainham, was honoured with a gold medal at the National Police Public Bravery Awards, which was held in Manchester on Wednesday evening.

Mrs Sutton is slightly built and faced the vicious dog, which was out of control having already attacked two other people, in Grain Road in the town on Christmas Day 2008.

She said: "I just did what anyone else would have done. When you see something like that happening you just react and my reaction was to step in.

"The dog turned towards the buggy, I stood in front of it and it dragged me away. It was very frightening but it could have been a lot worse."

Mrs Sutton suffered severe injuries to her right arm and still has trouble using her hand.

Ch Supt Steve Corbishley, area commander for Medway, said: "Sally Ann showed tremendous courage and bravery to stand in front of a large dog to protect a child.

"This act prevented the serious harm of others and police in Medway thank her for her act of bravery and congratulate her on receiving this award."

National police chiefs give awards to for their extraordinary bravery and dedication to civic duty. A total of 67 awards were given to people at the ceremony.

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