A BRAVE police officer could be in line for a chief constable commendation after he put himself in danger to help an aggressive man quickly losing litres of blood.

PC Luke Pitchford, a dog handler based at the dog section in Sandon, was called to Basildon Hospital on Sunday.

A police unit at the scene had requested urgent assistance, which Mr Pitchford responded to.

When the officer arrived at the scene he was confronted with a man who had a serious head injury., which was bleeding heavily.

Due to his injury and the amount of drugs he had taken, the man was becoming increasingly aggressive and refusing treatment from doctors.

When anyone approached him to help, the man would try and fight them to keep them at bay.

After several attempts to negotiate with the man, who had lost around two litres of blood, Mr Pitchford made the decision to detain him under the Mental Capacity Act for treatment.

Whilst Mr Pitchford was trying to engage with the man – who was covered in his own blood – the man spat a mouthful of blood at his face and eyes.

Despite the risk of further attack and contaminated blood, Mr Pitchford continued to speak with him.

The man continued trying to attack officers.

Mr Pitchford kept a close eye on the man and as soon as the man turned his back on him, he was able to grab hold of him and pull him down to the ground to protect his colleagues from further attack and blood contamination.

The man was taken straight into the hospital for emergency care, which saved his life.

It is now understood he is on the way to recovery.

Mr Pitchford was also admitted to hospital for a blood test in relation to the man’s blood in his eyes and he was prescribed a course of medication.

Mr Pitchford said he needed to act quickly to save the man's life.

He said: "Despite the behaviour shown towards myself, I knew the man’s life was in danger if he didn't receive immediate care.

"By taking the quick action I did, the man was able to receive emergency care and I was able to prevent other officers being attacked."

Insp Brad Dickel, from the dog section, praised the officer in his team for his act of bravery and said that he deserved to be awarded.

He wrote on Twitter: "Dog handler PC Luke Pitchford has been put in for chief constables recognition following an act of bravery last week."

Essex Police have not disclosed how the man came by his injuries.