BSIA Chief Executive, James Kelly, comments: "The CIT couriers that are receiving these awards today have demonstrated outstanding bravery in their line of work. They have been faced with extremely violent and traumatic situations and their ability to remain calm and level-headed is testament to both their training and strength of character. I applaud them for their actions and for being prepared to perform this essential public service in such a proficient manner."

The couriers, two of whom wish to remain anonymous, have been rewarded for the following outstanding acts:

Two Loomis CIT couriers were rewarded for their actions whilst replenishing an ATM in Longton, near Preston. As one of the couriers was conducting his final trip from the vehicle to the ATM bunker, he was approached by three attackers armed with a machete and crowbar who proceeded to stab him in the legs. The courier shouted to his colleague inside the ATM bunker who opened the bunker doors for the attackers who entered and demanded that the safe was opened. The couriers explained that they could not do this and instead offered them the money that they had brought to the bunker. As a result, the attackers again stabbed the wounded courier in the leg who screamed out in pain. This unnerved the attackers and caused them to step back into the ATM airlock. The couriers seized this opportunity and quickly shut the internal airlock door, therefore preventing the attackers from gaining further access. An alarm was triggered and the attackers fled to a nearby waiting vehicle.

Tony Helman, a G4S CIT courier, received his award for his struggle with attackers, which resulted in them fleeing from the scene empty handed. While transporting money from the van to the ATM, Tony's colleague spotted someone watching from around the corner and realised that an attack was imminent. He warned Tony of this and told him to quickly shut the ATM door. As Tony tried to do this, the attackers arrived armed with a gun and tried to keep the door open. When Tony realised he could not shut the door he pushed it hard towards the attackers and managed to grab one of them. A struggle ensued and Tony tackled one of the attackers. At this point Tony's colleague was able to close the door and the attackers ran away.

The Special Awards for Outstanding Service were presented to the couriers by Sir Paul Stephenson QPM, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, at the BSIA's annual luncheon, which took place earlier this month at the London Hilton, Park Lane.