POLICE officers have been commended for helping to convict a man who killed a neighbour and seriously injured his family after setting their Malvern home alight.

Stephen George-Davies, of Oak Crescent, was sentenced to at least 22 years in prison earlier this year for murdering neighbour Richard Perkins.

Mr Perkins died in a house fire which also left his wife and step-daughter injured. Officers at the scene in October 2008 found a fierce fire raging and had to cope with a large crowd and people desperately trying to re-enter the building.

At an awards ceremony held at West Mercia Police headquarters at Hindlip Hall, senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Jon Wallis, who took control of the scene, received a chief constable’s commendation for leadership and detective ability.

Detective Sergeant Mike Unwin and Detective Constable Wenda Barr were also awarded chief constable’s commendations for planning and meticulous preparation.

Critical scene commander, Inspector Al Grayson, received a divisional commendation for his leadership and professionalism, as did Sergeant Jill Fowler, who went to Worcestershire Royal Hospital where the surviving family members were taken. PCs Simon Jury and Richard Allen, who preserved the scene and identified vital witnesses, were commended for professionalism.

Detective Constables Kate Lane and Simone Lemon were commended for their compassion, dedication and ability as family liaison officers.

A team of police officers, police staff and a member of the Crown Prosecution Service have also been commended for bringing masked burglars to justice who tortured an elderly man in his own home.

They were given divisional commendations for capturing the men and securing long prison sentences. Douglas Moule, a widower from Hadley, near Droitwich, was seriously assaulted with a crowbar and pickaxe handle in 2007 by three armed men while another waited outside.

Andrew Siddall, aged 38, of Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, Mark Carson, aged 36, Mervin Mason and Michael Wells, both 38, all from Warwick, were jailed for between eight and 10 years in January.

The awards service heard Detective Chief Inspector Graham Smith, who headed the investigation, was dedicated and focused and showed outstanding leadership.

Detective Constables Phil Colley and Allan Webster, joint ‘officers-in-case’, were commended for their detective ability, dedication and determination.

Acting Detective Sergeant David Hall, the disclosure officer, was praised for intensive work.

Detective Constable Mark Price managed numerous telecoms applications with quiet efficiency. Christine Walters, acting as office manager, demonstrated high levels of skill and expertise. Ken Crane, a retired officer, played a significant role and Peter Tooke, from the CPS, helped officers with evidential issues.

• For full details of the individual cases, please click the links below.

Hanging case
Drugged driver case
Torture case
 Explosives case
Distraction burglary case
Kidnap case
Serious fall case
Suicide attempt case
Child rapist case
Murder blaze case