A hero teenager has been recognised for his bravery after chasing and apprehending a criminal who assaulted two female police officers.

Quick-thinking Kiya Ingham, 16, chased the assailant down Lewes Road in Brighton after he kicked out and pushed the officers over before running off on June 10.

City College pupil Kiya, from Brighton, immediately dropped his bag and tackled the man to the ground before helping restrain him.

The dramatic incident was caught on CCTV cameras and has since been watched by more than 9,000 people on YouTube.

Kiya had signed up to study motor vehicles at college but has instead enrolled on a public services course after deciding he wants to become a police officer.

He said: “I took interest at what was happening inside the police car and sat at the bus stop for about 30 seconds. Then the man flipped. I dropped my bag, which had my tablet and phone in, and ran after him. I didn't think. It was just instinct.

“When I was running I was just hoping I could get him down, because if he did that to police officers he could do worse to me.

“I had time to look up and see if people were going to help but they were getting their phones out and recording us or just walking past.

“You can see him point at me and say 'I know your face'. He was being aggressive and swearing at me. Then backup arrived and he was taken away.”

For his efforts Kiya was given a police bravery award at The Grand hotel in Brighton in July. He also received a visit from the two PCs he helped - Lynsey Burkinshaw and Johanna Clarke - who thanked him for his bravery.

He said: “I've been doing kickboxing for about a year at Focus Fit in Haywards Heath, and I think if it wasn't for Shaun, my instructor, I wouldn't have had the confidence to tackle the man to the floor.”

The man in the video, Bradley Jay Hughes, 31, of Pelham Place, Seaford, has since been convicted after pleading guilty to two counts of assaulting a police officer and received 100 hours community service.

Chief Superintendent Nev Kemp, Brighton and Hove divisional commander, said: "Kiya acted heroically and I commend his bravery.

"The incident shows how difficult and sometimes dangerous policing can be, so we were very grateful and moved that without hesitation he stepped into help the police in such a situation.

“I also want to pay tribute to the way in which the two officers quickly regained control of the situation, despite the violence that was directed towards them. I and my team here thank him for his courage and selfless public service which helped us bring an offender to justice."