Arson enquiry leads to commendations

Eight police officers have received commendations following a £1.4 million arson in the West Midlands.

Kidderminster PCs Steve Allcut, Russ Bunce, Dave Ashley, Alistair Howarth, Ben Wharton, and Kate Sanders, together with Sergeants Adrian Maiden and Tony Quinn received divisional commendations for outstanding police work.
In the early hours of 4th December 2007 a major fire destroyed Stourport Sports Club.

PCs Bunce and Allcut immediately went to the scene and detained three suspects, later assisted by PCs Ashley and Howarth. PCs Howarth and Wharton attempted to tackle the blaze with fire extinguishers prior to the arrival of the fire service.

PCs Ashley and Pc Sanders ensured appropriate and professional scene management, effectively securing and preserving evidence, while Sgts Maiden and Quinn supported and supervised officers, quickly recognising the significance of the incident and ensuring a comprehensive hand over to CID. This included staying on duty several hours into the mid-morning to brief senior officers.

Chief Superintendent David Spencer, North Worcestershire divisional commander, said, "Our actions in such high profile cases are often under much public scrutiny and it was very pleasing to see the enthusiasm and professionalism shown by these officers to progress this incident to a successful conclusion.

Their effective response and actions led to the crime being detected very quickly, avoiding what could have been a lengthy and more difficult investigation."
A 19-year-old man was jailed for four years at Worcester crown court in August after admitting arson and a separate assault.