A police officer who re-started a man’s heart with CPR after he collapsed in the street was among those awarded for their courage, bravery and dedication today.

The Redbridge Borough Commander’s Commendation Ceremony praised those who had gone beyond the call of duty and sometimes put themselves in serious danger fighting crime.

Speaking at the event in the Jack Carter Pavilion in Barkingside, Det Ch Supt Sue Williams said her officers’ work was reducing crime in the borough and making them one of the best-performing areas in the Met.

“I’m really proud to be a police officer and I’m proud how many times my staff will put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public,” she added.

“This is an opportunity to say thank you.”

More than 20 officers were presented with commendations for everything from strategic work and management to neighbourhood policing.

Pc Sean Murrell was on duty in Ilford in August when he was called to reports of a man collapsed in Wellesley Road.

Paramedics at the scene said the patient was a street drinker and his heart had stopped.

As one medic got tired giving him CPR, Mr Murrell took over and the man’s pulse started again.

Sadly, he died later in hospital.

Pc Jennifer Gascoin was named police officer of the year for her excellent work, including saving an elderly woman’s life in Ilford.

The woman, in her 80s, lived alone and was unable to get help when she broke her hip falling out of the bath.

Ms Gascoin was visiting the house by coincidence and called back-up to break down the door when she heard the woman’s moans.

Giving her the award, Ch Insp Mick Forbes said: “If it hadn’t been for Jen’s actions I think she would have died.”

Some harrowing discoveries were recounted during the awards ceremony.

One group of police officers came across two young children living in a state of “horrifying” neglect in Ilford.

They called at the house to interview their father about an assault on a taxi driver but uncovered far more harrowing crimes.

The man’s wife had severe head injuries after being battered with a pram and their two children were found sitting on a dirty floor “surrounded by broken furniture, shattered glass and large knives”.

There was no food in the house and both parents were drunk.

They have since been prosecuted for child neglect and the two-year-old boy and four-year-old girl are in foster care.

See Thursday’s Recorder for a full report of the commendation ceremony and interviews with officers.