Penny Lancaster recalls terrifying moment she was threatened with a needle by a drug addict as she reveals she has joined the Police as a volunteer officer

PENNY Lancaster was threatened with a needle by a drug addict after she joined the Police as a volunteer officer.

Sir Rod Stewart's wife admitted she felt "terrified" and was held back by her colleagues during a routine patrol, when she took part in a TV show to become a Special Officer.

She told the Loose Women panel today: "I was sitting in the briefs, with stab vests on in the van, and literally responding to whatever call came through so you never knew what was round the corner.

"I didn't have mace spray or a baton, so I had nothing to protect myself other than the call out, where I could call for back up."

Penny then described the moment she was faced with a drug addict brandishing a needle and said: "There was a lady who I was chasing, a possible theft from a shop.

"After I chased after her, when she finally slowed down, I realised she was a drug addict, literally frothing at the mouth. Dark circles, shaking.

"As I approached her she threatened me with her needle. We had got a warning that she'd been called previously and threatened the shop keeper with her needle. So at that point I was terrified yes, I was terrified.

"You find out whether you're a fighter, you freeze or flight. No one can be accused of being one or the other. I am a fighter, officers needed to (hold me back) and said 'Not yet Penny.'

She later admitted: "My husband was terrified with the stories I was coming out with. I was coming home at four in the morning."

Penny explained that her privileged lifestyle made her want to give back to the community.

She added: "I've always liked the idea of giving back, doing charity, as much as you can give up your time, but it isn't enough.

"Being a police volunteer I feel like I can reach out to those people and touch their lives. The police do obviously need more help, it's only 12 weekends of training."

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