Officers commended for 7/7 roles

POLICE officers have been commended by the Metropolitan Police service for their help in dealing with the aftermath of the London bombings.

Sgt Colin Mann from Stevenage police and scenes of crime officer Julie Fenton of Letchworth GC were among 19 Hertfordshire officers to be presented with their commendations in London by Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Iain Blair.

They were praised for their work which involved body recovery and mortuary duties following the bombings on July 7 last year.

Sgt Mann, 42, lives in Hitchin and was called to help with the aftermath of the London bombings because of his Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) training.

The bombings were the first opportunity he had to put this training into practice.

On the first two days he was involved in searching for suspicious packages and after that he was involved in body recovery at Russell Square and King's Cross.

Sgt Mann, who works on the tactical team at Stevenage police station, said: "It [the bombings] was a massive event. It was good that everybody pulled together, especially the Salvation Army and local shops.

"By the time we got there it was a controlled environment. It was awkward but the training kicks in. We were there to provide a service to the victims' families and to treat the victims with the respect that they didn't receive from the bombers."

Chief constable Frank Whiteley said that the commendations were well deserved and were a reflection on the hard work, professionalism and dedication of police officers and staff within Hertfordshire Constabulary.

He said: "Dealing with the aftermath of a terrorist attack is a harrowing task. Those involved were working in horrific conditions but managed to retain their professionalism throughout.

"They are a credit to Hertfordshire Constabulary and it is only right that they should be commended for their efforts.