A Southwark police officer who single-handedly took on two gangs armed with petrol bombs and knives on the Rockingham Estate has won the Police Federation Police Bravery Award.

(Video reconstruction of the incident produced by The Sun)

PC Graham Hislop was presented with the award by home secretary Theresa May at the Savoy Hotel on Thuesday night. He also received a regional award from ITV Daybreak presenter Christine Bleakley.

PC Hislop responded to a call that a gang of youths on bicycles were causing a disturbance and terrorising residents on the Rockingham Estate.

As he approached, he saw two rival gangs fighting in the street. There were more than 30 youths who were armed with a variety of weapons including sticks, baseball bats, knives and a bayonet.

PC Hislop also saw that one youth had what appeared to be a petrol bomb with the wick alight.

The officer drove into the area where the fighting was taking place in an effort to separate the gangs and prevent serious injures occurring. He got out of the car and placed himself between the two groups.

He arrested one youth for affray and despite being surrounded by threatening youths he calmly held on to his prisoner whilst giving commentary to other officers who were now on their way to the scene.

His information enabled the other officers to make arrests for affray as the gangs fled the scene on hearing approaching sirens.

Seven knives, a bayonet, a hockey stick and three petrol bombs were recovered at the scene.

"PC Hislop's bravery in the face of exceptional danger is inspiring and just one example of our officers being here for London and of the lengths they go to every day to ensure that the streets of London are safe," said Sir Paul Stephenson, commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

"Actions like that taken by PC Hislop represent the qualities that makes the Met a special organisation with officers showing courage, determination and dedication, sometimes at great risk to themselves."

PC Hislop's national award follows a commendation from the Metropolitan Police presented in February.

Southwark's borough commander Wayne Chance added: "I'm delighted that Graham's actions have been recognised with this National Award. It is well deserved and exemplifies the actions that officers take in Southwark every single day."