A police officer has been hailed for her bravery after tasering a suspect minutes after being confronted by a man carrying what was believed to be a gun.

The PC and another officer had been called to reports of a burglary in Park Street, Stourbridge, when the drama unfolded at around 10.15pm on Saturday.

She made her way through the front door and down a corridor, where she came face to face with a man who pointed what is believed to have been a weapon at her.

As she identified herself as a police officer, the suspect held the gun at chest height. The officer backed out of the house, and the suspect escaped with a number of others.

Passers-by told her the gang had escaped in a car, and she commandeered a taxi to follow the suspects.

She tasered one when he failed to comply with her instructions. Other officers arrived and arrested two more suspects. 

An hour later, armed police arrested a fourth suspect at gunpoint on Stourbridge High Street. Inspector Jack Hadley said:

“The officer demonstrated outstanding courage and professionalism to single-handedly pursue these armed suspects in the correct manner. 

“I am extremely impressed with her dogged commitment and tenacity.”

A man aged 19 was arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Another man, aged 21 arrested on suspicion of burglary, while a third, aged 17 and from Stourbridge, was held on suspicion of burglary and carrying a bladed weapon.

The fourth, a 17-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of burglary. All were being questioned by police today.

Any witnesses have been asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 2600 of 19th November, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.