A GROUP of officers and police staff who worked on a fatal post office robbery in a Worcestershire village have been commended.

The group worked on Operation Larch, the investigation into the death of Craig Hodson Walker at Fairfield post office last year.

The group of 10 were handed chief constable’s commendations at West Mercia’s headquarters Hindlip Hall, near Worcester.

The Chief Constable Paul West was there along with Deputy Chief Constable David Shaw and members of the police authority.

The officers included retired Detective Chief Inspector Jon Groves, Superintendent Paul Williamson, Detective Inspector Jon Marsden, Detective Constable Jo Bills, Detective Constable Steph Dyer and Investigative Support Officer Sarah Beddoes.

Also receiving HQ CID departmental commendations for their dedication on the same investigation were Detective Constable Joanne Hembry, Scientific and Forensic Evidence Liaison Officer Bridget Chappuis, victim and witness care worker Frances Jones and forensic investigator Laura Featon from the imaging unit.

Craig Hodson Walker was shot dead at Fairfield post office on January 9, 2009. His father Kenneth was also shot but survived.

The investigation to catch his killer included: :: More than 250 officers :: 46 separate crime scenes :: More than 4,500 exhibits :: 600 witnesses, of whom 105 went to court :: More than 7,000 documents :: More than 1,000 forensic exhibits Mr West said: “The investigation saw exemplary examples of leadership, professionalism, dedication and commitment from all staff.

“It involved painstaking evidence gathering, witness care, media appeals, analysis of CCTV, family liaison work, case preparation to tight timescales, intelligence development and high profile reassurance – all underpinned by those involved to bring to justice those responsible.”

Four men from Birmingham were tried and convicted of murder, attempted murder and attempted robbery. Adrian Snape, aged 26, Anselm Ribera, 35, Christopher Morrissey, 33, and his brother Declan Morrissey, 35, were sentenced to a total of 110 years imprisonment.