Local hero Artan Mahmood, who recently saved a child from an attack by a dog, has had his bravery recognised by being honoured with a Leader’s Recognition Award from Councillor Darren Rodwell, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council.

The incident for which Mr Mahmood was given the award saw him save his neighbours’ six-year-old son from a vicious dog attack in November, with no regard for his own safety.

The student Mr Mahmood saved, Arjun, is a classmate of one of Mr Mahmood’s own children.

Mr Mahmood was presented with the award at Dorothy Barley Infants School on Friday 28 February. Cllr Rodwell’s visit to the school included a student presentation on ‘What makes a hero?’ and an opportunity to meet both families, whose children attend the school.

The prestigious Leader’s Recognition Award is given to residents who show courage and bravery in helping others as well as a strong community spirit.

Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Cllr Darren Rodwell, said: “Artan Mahmood is certainly a hero.

“I was lucky enough to meet young Arjun and his family who are understandably grateful to Mr Mahmood, who was modest enough to insist he just did what anyone else would do.

Every parent’s worst nightmare is for something like this to happen to their child and Mr Mahmood acted as we all hope we would.

He is truly a credit to our community and a very worthy recipient of the Award.”