POLICE officers have been given special commendations to mark a series of heroic achievements.

Chiefs hailed officers at Greenbank Divisional Headquarters, describing the efforts made by local police teams as “exceptional”.

Among those who received awards were Detective Inspector Claire Holbrook and Detective Constable Dan Perkins, who tackled a violent and aggressive man during a knife point robbery at a wine shop in Granville Road, Blackburn, in February.

Following his arrest the officers, who escaped with cuts and bruises, discovered the offender had two large knives concealed in his jacket.

Accrington officer PC Lee Sutcliffe received a commendation after saving the life of a suicidal man who was just seconds from death in the town’s Spring Street on March 18.

The man, who has now made a full recovery, has since commented on how PC Sutcliffe helped him to rebuild his life.

Sgt Mark Wilson, custody nurse Jill Drinkwater and custody detention officer Paul Cawley, were also praised for giving immediate first aid to a man in the custody suite after he had stopped breathing in his cell on November 4.

Divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Andy Rhodes, hosted the awards evening which was designed to recognise those who had gone above and beyond the call of duty.

Chief Superintendent Rhodes said: “I was delighted to recognise some of the exceptional work that goes on each and every day across the Division.

“When staff go the extra mile they need to know it is not simply taken for granted — it is important to show that their work is and will continue to be recognised.

“They deserve the recognition as they set an example to others that is hard to follow.”

Other recipients included Special Constable Nicole Veitch, Alison Chadwick, Blackburn crime scene investigator, DS Mark Vaughton, Accrington CID, DC Lyndsey Vaughton, DC Eugene Swift, DS Jon Goodenough-Bayly, DC Leo Cook and PC Claire Parrish.