A fearless train driver and police officer who tackled a man they believed was armed with a gun have been awarded for their bravery.

Graham Slingsby, who works for Southeastern, and Sgt Duncan Anderson, of the Metropolitan Police Service, were off duty and travelling separately when a train guard told them she feared a man was carrying a firearm.

As a trio they cleared the carriage they were travelling in shortly before the suspect entered their compartment.

When he entered their section they detained him.

The train was travelling between Paddock Wood and Sevenoaks but was stopped at Tonbridge, where armed police had gathered.

A subsequent a search of the man’s bag revealed an airgun.

Both men received award commendations from Chief Constable Paul Crowther OBE, of British Transport Police, at a ceremony held on Thursday.

The incident took place in April last year.

Mr Slingsby, who lives in Hythe, said: “I knew this was a potentially serious and very dangerous situation.

“I’m not going to lie, I did have butterflies in my stomach.

“But I thought ‘I have a responsibility for the safety of the people on this train, I have to do the right thing.’

“It was scary, but if I found myself in a similar situation, I would do exactly the same again.”

Sgt Anderson added: “I am trained to deal with situations like this, and that training just kicked in.

“You don’t think about the danger, you just do what needs to be done.

“Having said that, I knew this was a tough situation for Graham and the guard, but they were superb. They dealt with the whole situation very well.”

Presenting the men with their awards, Chief Constable Crowther said: “Both men demonstrated real bravery and professionalism in the face of a potentially serious situation.

“They believed they were dealing with someone armed with a live firearm, yet they put all thoughts of their own wellbeing to one side to ensure the safety of their fellow passengers.

“Such outstanding commitment and presence of mind in the face of danger deserves recognition. I would like to congratulate them both.”