Constable kept her cool with gunman

11:34am Saturday 16th February 2008

IF most people came face-to-face with a masked gunman, their instinct would be to run and hide.

But PC Sarah Croney's actions in following the man, who had stolen £1,800 from the Horwich RMI club safe, helped bring the thief to justice.

At yesterday's ceremony, PC Croney - with dog handler colleagues PC Wesley Donnelly and PC Raymond Duxbury - were commended for their bravery.

On July 29 last year, Mark Anthony Green, aged 26, of Chorley New Road, Horwich, had threatened barmaid Lynn Wharton and her partner, David Jones, outside the club, ordering them back inside.

He handcuffed 48-year-old Mr Jones, sat him in a chair and bound his arms, legs and mouth with tape.

Jones, wielding a handgun, ordered Mrs Wharton, aged 55, to empty the safe and tills.

Mrs Wharton, however, managed to press the club's panic alarm to alert the police.

PC Croney arrived on the scene and followed Jones on foot, despite him having a gun, calling for back-up on her radio.

Dog handlers PCs Donnelly and Duxbury were waiting outside to arrest the robber.

The stolen cash was recovered, along with the handgun and balaclava.

Olympic silver medal for Jason