PC JULIAN Broddle's patrol car came under attack from three men carrying pickaxe handles and baseball bats.

They shattered his car windscreen and beat in the bodywork. PC Broddle was yesterday commended for his courage and commitment during routine duties. He had begun following a silver Vauxhall Astra after seeing two masked men get into it in Market Street, Farnworth, in the early hours of May 24 last year.

The constable followed them into Hulme Road, Stoneclough, where he stopped the car and the men attacked his vehicle. They managed to take the car keys but fled when they realised he had called for assistance.