TWO police officers who dashed to the aid of injured officer after he was shot have been nominated for a top bravery award.

Sergeant Paul Leigh, a 35-year-old father-of-two from Ramsbottom, and Rossendale-based PC Lukmaan Mulla, have been nominated for a Vodafone Life Savers Award.

Inspector Dave Shepherd nominated the pair after their 30-minute ordeal when they were in the line of fire from Steven Hensby last July.

The 54-year-old shot PC David Lomas in the chest and threw a petrol bomb as officers tried to arrest him at his home in Hardman Avenue, Rawtenstall, for alleged harassment.

It sparked an 18-hour armed siege before police found the suspect and his dog lying dead from gunshot wounds in an upstairs bedroom.

PC Mulla scrambled over a hedge to reach PC Lomas, while Sgt Leigh stayed with him until armed police arrived.

PC Lomas, the community beat manager for Haslingden, and lives in Bury, has since returned to full duty.

PCs Leigh and Mulla have already been commended by the Chief Constable for bravery and recommended for higher gallantry awards.

And now the pair will have their story told to and judged by a celebrity panel, including Falklands hero Simon Weston.

The panel will select the 10 most inspiring stories and the winning life savers will be personally congratulated by the Prime Minister Tony Blair at a Downing Street reception.

Insp Shepherd said: "Sergeant Leigh gave no thought for his own personal safety.

"He was aware his colleague had been shot and possibly wounded, he was not wearing a protective vest or protection of any kind when he returned to PC Lomas, and he administered what first aid and comfort he could while also relaying information via his mobile and on PC Lomas' radio in a calm and controlled manner."

He said despite PC Mulla being in easy range of the gunman, he passed through the line of fire to get first aid for his injured colleague shortly after further shots had been fired and petrol bombs had been thrown from the building.