A POLICE officer serving in Thurrock has been honoured with a top commendation from the Essex force for her 'outstanding act of bravery in bringing a criminal to justice.

At the force's recent annual awards, PC Chantelle Feyzifar, of the Grays Local Policing Team, was awarded the Wilson Trophy for performing the outstanding act of the year.

During what began as a routine traffic stop, PC Feyzifar stepped in after a violent driver dragged a colleague down the road with his moving vehicle and, when the vehicle stopped, started to punch the officer.

The citation honouring her bravery says: "Thankfully, Chantelle had chased the vehicle. She attempted to get the man off her colleague and, despite being punched herself, was able to call for back-up.

"The man ran off but Chantelle continued to chase him, eventually preventing him from escaping over a gate and detaining him until colleagues arrived to assist."

Thurrock is also the home ground for the recipient of another of the force's top awards.

Cadet Lauren Hooper was named Volunteer Police Cadet of the Year.

She is the head Cadet of the Thurrock Volunteer Police Cadet Unit, joining the unit in 2017.

She was nominated for being an enthusiastic and genuine role model who inspires others. Despite having some issues with autism and dyslexia, among her many roles, she is the only young person sitting on Thurrock's Independent Advisory Group and the Fairness & Equality Challenge Panel, she is chair of Thurrock Youth Cabinet and has also trained as an Essex Police hate crime and domestic abuse ambassador.

You can find full details of all the awards present to officers and staff here.