Brave police officers thanked by Prime Minister (From Swindon Advertiser)

Brave police officers thanked by Prime Minister

11:41am Friday 27th January 2012 in Local

TWO police officers have been thanked personally by the Prime Minister for their contribution to the policing of the London riots last year.

Wiltshire constables Andy Henson and Elizabeth Legg joined other police colleagues and fire fighters from across the country in a reception at 10 Downing Street on Wednesday, January 11.

The reception was held to recognise the bravery and significant contribution made by police and fire services during the disorder in England and Wales in August 2011.

PC Andy Henson, a member of the Priority Crime Team (PCT) in Melksham, was deployed to London within 30 minutes’ notice in his capacity as a police support unit officer. Initially deployed for a week, forfeiting both annual leave and rest days, he was later deployed for a further week in the same role.

PC Elizabeth Legg works in the Specialist Operations Department which is responsible for the planning and co-ordinating of force events and incidents involving PSUs.

PC Legg was called in at 1am, after a normal working day, and worked an 18-hour shift to begin organising officers and equipment to travel to the capital.

She worked a further nine night shifts where she continued to act as a point of contact for both the force and as a welfare contact for officers deployed to London.

Chief Constable Brian Moore said: “The summer disorder stretched police resources across the land.

“The officers and staff of Wiltshire Police gave vital support to our colleagues in London, Gloucester and Avon and Somerset, while ensuring our own communities remained safe.

“PC Henson and PC Legg represent the extraordinary contribution and resilience of all colleagues involved and I am proud that Wiltshire’s contribution has been recognised.”