A taxi firm worker who risked her life to help a teenager being sexually assaulted by a stranger has been received an award for her bravery.

Guardian angel Teresa Locke received the Binney Medal at the National Police Chief's Council Police (NPCC) Public Bravery Awards last Monday after she helped a 16-year-old girl escape her attacker while she waited for a cab in Maidstone.

Ms Locke was working at Sapphire Cars on Pudding Lane on August 21, 2021, when the victim was pounced upon by 33-year-old Oluwaseun Oseni, who grabbed her by the waist and throat and pushed her against some shutters.

Ms Locke tried to intervene but was punched in the face by the father-of-three, breaking her glasses.

Oseni then dragged his victim to a nearby car park where he pulled the young student to the ground and laid on top of her – he was partially clothed at the time.

Ms Locke tackled the drunken man while hurling rocks and stones at him.

She shouted for help and soon others rushed over and ushered the teenager to safety in the taxi office, locking the door behind them.

But the assailant, from Orpington, would not leave the teen alone, following her to the door while hammering on the window and staring at his victim until police were called.

He was arrested in June this year and sentenced to three years in jail after he admitted sexual assault, as well as causing actual bodily harm to Ms Locke.

Judge Robert Lazarus, who overheard the case, praised Ms Locke for showing "great bravery".

The taxi worker, from Maidstone, was awarded the medal at a ceremony in Sheffield.

It was named in remembrance of Sir Ralph Binney, a retired naval captain who died while trying to stop an armed robbery and honours those who put themselves at risk to prevent crime and protect vulnerable people.

Mrs Locke was presented with her award by assistant chief constable Andy Pritchard and Martin Hewitt, chairman of the NPCC.

ACC Pritchard said: "It was an absolute privilege to be present to see Teresa recognised for her extraordinary actions - she fully deserves her commendation.

"Whilst our officers across the county are trained and prepared to deal with such incidents, members of the public are not and it's humbling to witness that, in the face of adversity, Kent residents are prepared to risk their own safety for others."