THE East End s top cops were honoured for their bravery and dedication at an award ceremony in the Tower of London today (Friday). More than 30 police constables, sergeants, inspectors and community support officers, received commendations from Tower Haml

THE East End's top cops were honoured for their bravery and dedication at an award ceremony in the Tower of London today (Friday).

More than 30 police constables, sergeants, inspectors and community support officers, received commendations from Tower Hamlets' borough commander.

Officers were praised for tackling dangerous criminals or for going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure investigations were carried out thoroughly and offenders were brought before the courts.

After he had heard all 32 officers' stories Tower Hamlets police's borough commander Chief Supt Paul Rickett said: "I started off this commendation ceremony saying that I was proud to lead a borough like Tower Hamlets.

"After hearing all that, I'm humbled to lead it. Everyone commended has done an exceptional job in protecting the public."

The ceremony was attended by Polar and Limehouse MP Jim Fitzpatrick and Tower Hamlets council's community safety leader Cllr Abdal Ullah.

The team which led an investigation into a fraudster who stole thousands of pounds of Hajj pilgrims' money were commended by the commander

Det Insp Des McHugh, Det Sgt Robert Kidd, Det Con James Ewen, PC Nasrul Hannan and PCSO Ahmed Asania all received certificates celebrating their diligence and professionalism in dealing with the matter which saw hundreds of East End Muslims lose their life savings.

The team tracked the fraudster down to Bangladesh where he had fled and, through negotiations with the Bangladeshi government, managed to bring him before the British courts where he was sentenced to six years' imprisonment.