Eloise Kohler saved her father’s life by dialling 999 as four men burst into her home and beat him ‘beyond recognition.’

Miss Kohler barricaded herself in her room in Kings Road, Wimbledon, on August 11 last year and stayed on the phone to the emergency operator to direct them to the house.

She described what she could hear and tried to stay quiet so the burglars would not hear her and her boyfriend, who they did not know were in the house.

Police and her father Paul Kohler later said it was the quick reaction by police officers that saved his life.

Despite thinking her parents Mr Kohler and Samantha MacArthur were being murdered downstairs, Miss Kohler dialled 999 and stayed on the phone with them, showing extraordinary courage in a terrifying situation.

She faced the four men for the first time at Kingston Crown Court as they were sentenced for aggravated burglary and grievous bodily harm with intent in January.

Miss Kohler, 24, who works at the Institute of Physics in London, said: "It would be great to get an award - it would be my first award.

"I would be very happy."

Detective inspector Dan O’Sullivan who led the investigation into the burglary, said: "She thought her parents were being murdered but remained calm.

"She did the right thing by calling 999 and staying on the phone to the operator.

"It did save Paul’s life."

She has been nominated in the Act of Courage category alongside her father Mr Kohler. 

There is still time to nominate someone special for a Merton Civic Award.

Nominate them here www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/mertoncivicawards/ or fill out a form in the newspaper.