A POLICE officer who was the first at the scene of a fatal stabbing in Ashley Cross has been hailed for her courage.

PC Susan Hillier and her police dog BE were called to reports of a disturbance at Greenwood Cottages in Wessex Road, Ashley Cross, on August 14 2016. The force had received a 999 call from a man who said: "He's coming at me with a knife" before shouting for help.

When officers arrived, they discovered Ryan Merna, an assistant curator at Compton Acres, had been repeatedly stabbed by former friend Paul Taylor.

The 29-year-old casualty died at the scene.

PC Hillier was the first to get to the property. She spotted Taylor, then 49, sitting outside the block of flats and challenged him.

He admitted stabbing Mr Merna, telling the officer: “It’s just so funny how they start screaming for help when you have a knife in your hand.

“I’d tried to get hold of a chainsaw from a shop but they wouldn’t let me buy one because I didn’t have enough ID.

“I wanted to go there and castrate [Mr Merna].”

She then went into the house with colleagues and discovered Mr Merna's body. He had been stabbed 32 times.

Taylor was convicted of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility at Winchester Crown Court in August 2017 and sentenced to an indefinite hospital order.

Last week, PC Hillier were presented with crown court commendations by the High Sheriff of Dorset, Jacqueline Swift. Judge Keith Cutler CBE commended her for her "immense bravery, skill and great sense of public duty" after the trial.

She was one of a number of officers honoured for their bravery at a ceremony which took place at Cobham Sports and Social Club in Wimborne.

Detective Sergeant Lynette Gibbs, who joined Dorset Police in October 1997, was awarded a 'police long service and good conduct' medal, while Karen Steer, a member of police staff, was also recognised for her years of service.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Gedge, who was involved in a three-year modern slavery investigation, was awarded a Chief Constable’s commendation. The officer "helped to safeguard the lives of all four victims", it was said.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “These awards are a wonderful opportunity to honour the outstanding work and selflessness of our officers.

“All individuals are to be commended for their contribution to keeping Dorset safe, more often than not, in highly demanding or traumatic situations.”