A BRAVE pair who saved the life of a woman when they helped halt a viscous dog attack in Leominster have been honoured by police.

Olive Arnold and Robert Hirschmann were both awarded the High Sheriff's Award at West Mercia Police's awards ceremony at Hereford Town Hall.

The awards followed an incident in Leominster on May 31, 2014 when Teresa Stinton was attacked by a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Cross and an American Red Nose Pit Bull Cross.

Ms Arnold had been cycling down the street when she saw a crowd of people looking at a house.

She could hear a woman screaming and was shocked to see her being attacked by the two dogs – with no one coming to her aid.

After confirming someone had called the emergency services, Ms Arnold approached the badly injured woman and tried to fend the attacking dogs off her.

Despite shouting at others to help, no one came to assist.

While helping, Ms Arnold fell, fracturing her wrist, and received bites to her knees but continued trying to stop the attack.

At around the same time, Mr Hirschmann was driving along the road and was shocked to see only Ms Arnold attempting to help.

He stopped and approached the injured woman, and managed to coax the dogs off her.

Ms Stinton was bitten almost 70 times during the 20-minute attack which has left her both physically and mentally scarred.

Both Mr Hirshmann and Ms Arnold were presented with their awards – for staff and civilian members of the community who have been recognised for their commitment, performance and dedication beyond what would normally be expected – by the High Sheriff of Herefordshire, Edward Harley.

He said: "Olive Arnold and Robert Hirschmann are commended for their courageous and unselfish actions in assisting a member of the public under attack without any consideration for their own welfare.

"This was an incredibly brave decision by both individuals, and if it had not been for the selfless actions of Olive and Robert, the victim may not have survived. I am therefore proud to be able to present these awards this evening."

Earlier this year, the dog owners, brothers Kenneth and Andrew Stuchberry, were last week handed suspended sentences while their mum, Davina Stuchberry, received a conditional discharge for being in charge of the animals at the time of the attack.