NAZAKAT Rashid was praying to Mecca when he heard an argument in the street outside his Keighley home.

Despite being barefoot the Asda security guard dashed outside to protect two of his female neighbours from assault.

Rashid’s actions in restraining the assailant saw him this month honoured at the Bradford District Policing Awards.

Former Greenhead High School student Rashid, known as Naz, was among 80 civilians, police officers and staff recognised for their efforts in preventing and detecting crime or protecting vulnerable members of the public.

Naz, 31, of Beacon Hill, Braithwaite, attended the ceremony at the National Media Museum, Bradford, with wife Rukhsana and son Muhammed-Esa

Rukhsana told the Keighley News that her husband had been preparing to pray when he heard a commotion outside.

She said: “A couple were arguing and getting physical, and the lady went to her mum’s house. Naz rushed out and grabbed the man and restrained him.”

The citation for Naz’s award praised his bravery and selflessness in running to help two women who are being assaulted inside their home.

It reads: “You entered the property not knowing what you would face, and quickly got the suspect away from the females. Your actions have no doubt prevented further injury and were truly commendable.”

Following the incident in January this year, a 19-year-old man was charged with assault.

The award ceremony last week was hosted by the Bradford District Commander, Chief Superintendent Scott Bisset, and attended by senior leaders from West Yorkshire Police’s Chief Officer Team.

Ch Supt Bisset said: “It’s great to publicly recognise fantastic examples of police work. I would like to congratulate all the winners for their efforts and achievements which have helped to keep people in Bradford district safe over the last year.

“Some of the stories behind these awards highlight the challenges faced every day by all those working in the police who work tirelessly in difficult circumstances.

“I am extremely proud of their commitment and unquestionable dedication to serving the people of the district.

“It is also a privilege to recognise outstanding efforts from members of the public and the responsibility they felt to step in. The support of communities is crucial to effective policing and they should be very proud of their actions and achievements.”

Other members of the public honoured for their bravery were Darryl Smith and Jacquie Smith, who detained a man after a car was broken into.

Also recognised was Lee Northin, who chased after and detained a suspect following a robbery at a cashpoint, and Sharon Asquith, who helped police to detain three suspects for burglary.

Among the officers and staff receiving bravery awards were PCSOs Adam Lee and Attique Amin, who were recognised for their assistance in protecting officers while they were arresting a violent male.

Sergeant Noel Whitaker and PCs Michael Daisey and Dave Mitchell were praised for their efforts when they were deployed to an incident in Bradford city centre,, where a man was threatening to harm himself and others with a broken bottle.

Among those receiving Judge’s Commendations were Detective Constable Alison Hanson, who was commended for her work on a rape investigation, which resulted in an 18-year sentence for the perpetrator.

Alison also received an award for her service to West Yorkshire Police over the last 30 years.

Detective Constables Jodie Hayes and Louise Clayton were recognised for their efforts in securing convictions for a historic sexual abuse investigation which involved a number of victims from across the district and saw the main perpetrator jailed for 21 years.

The Bradford District Cyber Team were also rewarded for their e-Safeguarding training, which was delivered to more than 31,000 youngsters and their parents in the 2017/18 academic year.