In an interview with Belfast Telegraph sister paper Sunday Life, Susan Porter told how she had been treated in hospital last week for the injury to her hand.

The ex-RUC officer, who is back at her work with Federal Security, believes the injury was caused as she attempted to stop Stone from barging his way through the revolving door at Parliament Buildings.

Said Ms Porter: "I know I went back to work the next day, but I now know that I was suffering from shock. I couldn't sleep properly or properly focus on things.

"It was only a number of days after the incident that the enormity of what happened sank in.

"It's still hard to believe and my head was up in the clouds."

She added: "When I was at work my hand was very sore and when I went to the hospital they told me I had broken it. I had no idea I had suffered this injury.

"I have been offered a holiday by my employers and I can't thank them enough. It will be great to get away and relax.

"I don't know what people are saying about Stormont now but I just want to forget about it now. It took a number of us to disarm Stone. It wasn't just me."

It has also emerged that Ms Porter, who received an INLA death threat while in the police, was a popular good Samaritan while working in Downpatrick.

One local source said: "Susan was great during her time in Downpatrick. She gave gifts to the kids in the local children's home and also helped local alcoholics.

"The kids at the home loved her and many people in the town immediately recognised her when she was on TV tackling Stone.

"When she was investigating crimes in Downpatrick, she also left money for people but didn't want any credit for it.

"She was regarded as an angel because of her kind gestures and she served all sections of the community.