The extraordinary efforts of police officers dealing with violent robbers and burglars, suicide threats and fraud cases have been recognised at an award ceremony.

Hackney Gazette: Borough Commander Matthew Horne and PC Gavin ChapmanBorough Commander Matthew Horne and PC Gavin Chapman (Image: Archant)

Families of police officers and staff looked on as Borough Commander Matthew Horne praised them for their dedication and tenacity at the Town Hall in Mare Street last Tuesday.

Hackney Gazette: Borough Commander Matthew Horne and PC Ann BrunditBorough Commander Matthew Horne and PC Ann Brundit (Image: Archant)

Deputy Mayor Sophie Linden also commended members of the public for their actions which made an impact on safety in their communities.

PS Tariq Ghani, PC James De Temple and Moses Maturin were awarded for their bravery during an incident which saw the police officers force entry to a house in Brownswood ward, where they found the distraught occupants had been tied up following an aggravated burglary.

PS Ghani began searching the area and was guided by his team to Finsbury Park where he found a suspect hiding behind a tree who he managed to arrest after a struggle.

Meanwhile with the help of a member of the public, Mr Maturin, PC De Temple caught the second suspect, who was uncharacteristically strong and was making every effort to escape.

Both men are now awaiting trial.

PC Philip Dechamps and PC Ross James were praised for detaining four suspects despite a hostile crowd of their family and friends gathering around them.

During the investigation power tools worth £5000 were recovered and a stolen car with false number plates.

The dedication and professionalism of PC James O’Neill, PC Melanie Chapman, PC Gavin Chapman and PC Stuart Homer was recognised during an incident which saw them dealing with a female caller threatening suicide.

PC Melanie Chapman gradually built a rapport spoke with the woman during a two hour phone conversation, in which she garnered small details enabling officers to trace her and take her to hospital.

And PC Ann Brundit was praised for her commitment, investigative ability and tenacity in a lengthy fraud investigation which led to a successful prosecution.

Borough Commander Matthew Horne said their “extraordinary efforts” had been recognised.

“Whether it is through their bravery or sheer dedication and commitment to serving their communities, the fact that we were able to thank their families just made for a special event.”