POLICE officers who helped but the perpetrators of two violent crimes in Thurrock behind bars have been commended by the Essex force's chief constable.

The severity of the incidents was such the force created an operational team to investigate. Now the long hours of work by officers in the Serious and Organised Crime Unit on 'Operation Mace' have been recognised.

In the first incident a man in his 70s was struck over the head with a metal file by a group of men who broke into his Tilbury home in September 2017. He tried to fend the men off but was left with significant injuries to his eye and face.

Nine days later, a group of armed and masked men forced their way into a house in Horndon on the Hill. They demanded cash from the occupants, assaulting them and their two young children and threatening them all with further violence, before stealing money, jewellery and electrical items.

Eight men were later jailed for a total of 136 years, for offences including robbery, aggravated burglary and possession of a firearm with intent.

Among the team, Detective Constable Jo Worrow has been commended for her professionalism, determination and commitment in interpreting and analysing data from the suspects' mobile phones.

Both the trial judge and the prosecution barrister commented on the high standard of her investigation work and her exemplary presentation of technical and complicated material at the trial.

DC Worrow says: "It was such an emotive job and the outcome of the court case was amazing. The convictions of 136 years for eight suspects made it worth all the hours worked and the time missed with loved ones."

DC Richard Walker has also been commended for professionalism, determination and commitment in supporting both investigations and the manhunts for the suspects. He was involved with all the initial enquiries, subsequent arrests and house searches and, without his support and flexibility, the success of the sentences would not have been achieved.

DC Walker says: "I feel it was a team award. Our team pulled through because of everyone's hard work, as in every job we do, going the extra mile. I feel very proud to have received a commendation."

And Detective Sergeant Steve Robson has been commended for his drive and management of the investigation. He worked long hours, liaising with the Metropolitan Police and colleagues in other Essex Police teams to achieve successful arrests and house searches. He is commended for his professionalism, determination and commitment.

DS Robson says: "I'm proud and feel very privileged to be recognised for all our hard work on a complex and difficult job, from managing firearms operations to getting the evidence against the seven main suspects so they could all be tried in court at the same time."

Also commended for their work on Operation Mace are DC Mark Morgan-Jones, DC Tara Shepherd and former DC David Hobday.

Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said: "Our officers and staff will say 'I was just doing my job' or 'that's what I get paid for' but the things I have commended them for are absolutely extraordinary. I don't award commendations lightly.

"I ask our officers to help people, keep them safe and catch bad guys and they do, day in and day out. But it's not just about our officers, it takes a team of people with different skills and abilities to bring people to justice and that means police staff, detention officers, analysts and investigators.

"Whether it's chasing people with knives, protecting colleagues, helping members of the public, tracking down criminals who have threatened people in their own homes or making sure hundreds of people are now safer online, there has been some tremendous work to bring people to justice."

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