FOUR police officers, a Traffic warden and a city centre shop owner have been rewarded for their bravery in thwarting an armed robbery in Lancaster. The incident took place on Saturday April 15 last year at the Little's jewellery shop on Sun Street right in the heart of the city's shopping centre. Two armed raiders entered the shop, threatened and attacked owner Peter Waters and demanded the keys to his safe. But, despite the fact that the intruders were holding what later turned out to be an imitation firearm, he resisted and was able to raise the alarm.

Traffic warden David Owen was close to the jewellers and had heard the incident being broadcast on police radio. He held the outside door shut to stop the offenders escaping - even though the they were repeatedly trying to get out.

Lancaster Police constables Joanne Aspinall, Edward Moore, David Bell and Robert Gomery quickly arrived at the scene and entered the building. After a short struggle the officers arrested the offenders and the imitation firearm was recovered.

The two robbers were charged and later received sentences of 11 years and eight years for robbery, wounding with intent and other offences. The six involved in thwarting them were commended for bravery by Chief Constable Pauline Clare at a special ceremony this week. THREE other Lancaster policemen were also commended for bravery at the awards ceremony this week. Inspector Ian Ronald and constables Stephen Gardner and Ian Johnston were all rewarded for their actions surrounding an incident on Sunday July 9 last year. An offender broke into his ex-girlfriend's house in Lancaster after making threatening phone calls. Fearing for her safety she locked herself in an upstairs bedroom. The three officers forced their way into the house where the offender threatened to kill them. An extremely violent struggle followed before the man was overpowered, resulting in all three policemen being injured.

In a statement, the county's chief constable said: "The actions of the officers are in the highest traditions of the force, they displayed courage and determination in the apprehension of a violent and ruthless criminal."

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