AN AA patrolman from Bury added weight to his company's claim of being the fourth emergency service when he helped police catch a thief.

Bob Morrissey was recently presented with an AA Service Medal during a special ceremony in London.

The award honours staff who, while on duty, carry out acts demanding exceptional personal initiative in circumstances of great distress, suffering, threat, or similar serious occurrence.

In January, the 37-year-old was travelling on Rochdale Old Road, Bury, when he came across an abandoned motorcycle. Assuming it had been in an accident, he used his van to protect the scene.

Mr Morrissey then heard shouting and realised a police officer was trying to make an arrest. The PC, who was alone at the scene, was struggling with an aggressive young offender.

Without thought for his own safety, and without knowing if the offender was carrying a weapon, Mr Morrissey rushed to the officer's assistance.

When the offender was under control, the AA patrolman held him down while the officer handcuffed the suspect.

Mr Morrissey stayed with the officer until his colleagues arrived to take away the young man, who had been arrested in connection with the stolen motorbike.

Bury's divisional commander, Superintendent Phil Hollowood, praised Mr Morrissey for his bravery.

He said: "In days when the police feel the public is less willing to assist us, I find it very reassuring that people such as him are still prepared to help in this way."