TWO quick-thinking and courageous policemen who tackled a Chinese gang member armed with a loaded handgun have been commended for their actions.

PC Barry Rees saw the man reach for the weapon in his waistband during an incident at a Chinese restaurant in Canterbury. He and PC Paul Jane tackled him, got the gun and made the arrest while calling for back-up.

Both officers were praised for their bravery at an awards ceremony at Nackington police station on Monday when they received framed certificates from police area commander, Supt Dave King.

Making the citation, Ch Insp Peter West said the officers were on duty in St Dunstan's when they were approached by a distressed Chinese woman who had been assaulted.

He said: "They deduced that some sort of extortion was going on at a restaurant and found five males on the premises who they suspected of involvement. They were in the process of arresting some of them when PC Rees noticed a suspected gang member reaching for the gun which was in his waistband.

"They acted very swiftly to remove the gun in what was a potentially life-threatening situation. It was very good policework."

After the presentation, PC Rees said: "Afterwards we found the gun had a bullet in the chamber and the safety catch was switched off. It's worrying to think what would have happened if had not have got the gun off him."