A POLICE fingerprint expert has been presented with a top award for his contribution to serious crime investigation.

Head of Lancashire Police’s fingerprint department, John Harwood, scooped the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Homicide Working Group Police Staff Award.

Since joining the force at the age of 19 in 1965, the 62-year-old has worked on numerous cases, including the Yorkshire Ripper murders, the Black Panther homicide inquiry and, more recently, the Morecambe Bay cockle pickers tragedy.

Mr Harwood said: “While Fingerprint Bureau involvement in the investigation of this type of crime arises because of sad, and often tragic, events there is enormous satisfaction in being part of, and contributing to, the wider team carrying out the investigation.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Graham Gardner, head of crime, said: “John has worked tirelessly over the years to develop the use of fingerprints as an investigative tool, and has secured Lancashire’s Scientific Support Department national status.

“He is a shining example of the many hundreds of dedicated staff who support major investigations across the UK, and within Lancashire, and is widely regarded as a constabulary treasure.”