DETECTIVES from Bolton have been honoured with an award for their work solving a rape case.

This came as part of the Chief Constable’s Annual Awards Ceremony earlier this week in which officers from across Greater Manchester Police were honoured.

Bolton CID won the criminal investigation of the year category for their quick work in arresting a rape suspect.

A GMP spokesperson said: "Following a stranger rape in the area, they dropped everything and began a manhunt for the suspect.

"They knocked on doors and used local knowledge to identify the offender, as well as gather vital forensic evidence that led to the suspect being arrested in a matter of hours."

Aside from Bolton, individual officers and teams were honoured in categories ranging from Teamwork, to Police Cadet Volunteer of the Year Award to Special Constable of the Year Award.

This year’s overall winner at the Chief Constable’s Annual Awards, was the Asset and Detention Recovery Unit, who also won the Teamwork Award.

In 2020–2021, the team recovered a record breaking £9million from criminals using the Proceeds of Crime Act.

A spokesperson for the team said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have won, It really highlights how the teams makes a difference to the people of Greater Manchester."

A total of 15 individuals and teams were given awards.

Chief Constable Stephen Watson said: "I was honoured to have been able to present awards to such well-deserving individuals who make such a valuable contribution to our communities, often sacrificing their safety, to protect and keep the people of Greater Manchester safe.

"Our communities deserve the best policing service we can provide, and all those nominated for awards, as well as the winners, and thousands of other officers and staff across the force, represent just that.

"It is true that GMP is not currently reaching its full potential however, I hope the passion, commitment and bravery we see in the stories shared at last night’s ceremony serve as a motivator for the force, as well as reassurance and as a source of pride for the people of Greater Manchester, that GMP is committed to keeping them safe and committed to making the improvements needed."