A POLICE officer and his dog have been commended for their "courage, teamwork and determination" in tackling armed robbers.

PC Chris Mumford and police dog Storm were recognised at the Joint Operations Unit (JOU) commendations ceremony on Friday last week.

PC Mumford and Storm tracked down a robber after he and another man targeted Wexham Post Office with a firearm and a sledgehammer on January 6.

The two escaped from the scene and following a chase with officers, they crashed the car they were driving. The driver was arrested but the passenger ran away and was seen entering thick undergrowth.

After failing to reveal himself, PC Mumford sent in Storm who found the man and barked, alerting PC Mumford to his location.

The offender was found on the ground with his hands concealed under his body, and after repeatedly told to do so revealed his hands to show he had no weapons.

In total 19 officers, staff and members of the public were commended as part of the Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary JOU.

Chief Supt Lucy Hutson said: “These awards are for a mixture of achievements which reflect the diversity of work across the JOU – hard work, good decisions, facing danger and showing professionalism are all commendable in their own way.

“The recipients of these awards are the ones whose actions have stood out for special recognition and I feel a great sense of admiration and gratitude towards those involved.”