Police officers including those who helped to locate a missing man and another who intercepted a possible hammer attack have been presented with awards.

Sergeant Paul Scott, PC Kyle Andrews, and PC Lauren Snoek were just a few of the 60 officers, staff and volunteers recognised at the awards ceremony at the Kent Police College, in Coverdale Avenue, Maidstone.

The three officers had carried out Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) enquiries that led to the swift discovery of a missing man in the Maidstone area on June 14 and had then worked as a team to perform life-saving resuscitation until ambulance crews arrived.

Thanks to their quick-thinking, the man went on to recover in hospital.

West Kent Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Neil Loudon presented PS Scott, PC Andrews, and PC Snoek with the Divisional Commander's Award at the ceremony, which was also attended by the Kent High Sheriff Nadra Ahmed CBE.

Detective Constable Josh Gearing was also honoured after he persevered to thoroughly investigate the teaching career of Russell Tillson, 73, after he was jailed for five years and eight months on September 1 for six sexual offences against young pupils within his care at a school in Tonbridge.

Through his investigations the officer identified two further victims and worked carefully to gain their trust and confidence to build a case and bring their abuser to justice.

While PC Nick Hubbard was recognised after he spearheaded a successful campaign to target prolific shoplifters in Sevenoaks. Many of those convicted were issued with Community Behaviour Orders (CBOs) to prevent re-offending.

Another of PC Hubbard’s campaigns also identified a pattern of offences relating to theft from motor vehicles. These suspects were arrested, charged, and brought before the courts, stopping their crime spree in its tracks.

PC Lewis Mitchell was awarded after he was off duty at South Kensington underground station in London, on April 1 when he came across an unconscious person on the platform.

After identifing himself to their friends as a police officer, he administered CPR until ambulance crews arrived.

It was later established that they had suffered a cardiac arrest and, without the intervention of PC Mitchell, it may have proved fatal.

PC Lee Bunclark was honoured after locating a missing teenager, who was threatening to jump from a bridge in Otford on 1 July, and ensuring relevant road closures were in place to protect the safety of the girl, his colleagues, and members of the public.

By swiftly securing the perimeter, his colleagues, PC Alex Dawood, PC Sophie Taylor, and PC Grace Hedges, were able to concentrate on moving the young woman away from harm and helping her access the support she needed.

Chief Supt Loudon also recognised the bravery of officers, staff, and volunteers in confronting violence and dangerous situations.

PC Ben Startin was honoured for his efforts whilst off duty in the Staplehurst area after he was alerted to three men causing a disturbance at a neighbouring property on March 23, 2022.

He saw a person being chased by another man who was carrying a hammer. PC Startin identified himself as a police officer and ordered the suspect to back down, giving two injured parties a chance to move to safety.

West Kent Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Neil Loudon, said: “Every day, Kent Police officers, staff, and volunteers face unpredictable and potentially dangerous situations while on-duty and often intervene in circumstances when off-duty, to protect the vulnerable and provide the best possible service.

“This event provided the perfect opportunity to highlight the outstanding bravery, perseverance, and professionalism shown by our personnel across west Kent.

“Every officer, staff member, and volunteer in receipt of an award has shown their admirable capability to remain calm and composed in stressful situations, demonstrating excellent communication skills and compassion for victims and members of the public.

“It is only right that the outstanding contributions from all tonight’s award recipients are recognised.”