An image has emerged of the moment a have-a-go hero challlenged a disturbed teenager after he walked into a restaurant brandishing a meat cleaver and threatened to kill.

Soon after the picture was taken at Coriander Indian in Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, Nicky Hunt knocked the teenager out before anyone was hurt.

Mr Hunt, owner of the nearby Catch fish restaurant, is to tomorrow be honoured with a police award for his bravery during the incident in March.

The 17-year-old startled customers by banging on the windows of the restaurant before entering and threatening people shouting "You’re going to die".

The image was taken by a waiter outside the front window shows Mr Hunt standing up to the boy.

Shortly after the teen managed to head-butt Mr Hunt, 45, but was punched unconscious during an ensuing struggle.

Epping Forest Guardian:

The disturbed teenager brandishng a meat cleaver confronts Nicky Hunt at Indian Coriander restaurant 

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was subsequently arrested and charged with making threats to kill, assault, affray and carrying an offensive weapon.

Epping Forest Guardian:

Nicky Hunt is to be honoured for challenging a teenager brandishing a meat cleaver who threatened to kill

He later pleaded guilty and was placed on a counselling programme.

Mr Hunt, who posted the picture on Instagram, was recommended for the Redbridge Borough Commander’s Commendation by the investigating officer in the case.

Mr Hunt, told the Guardian, “It was the most terrifying moment of my life.”

“I just did what I had to do.

“It just happened and my reaction was all instinct. I was in the right place in the right time."

The award ceremony is being held tomorrow at the Jack Carter Pavilion in Ilford.