Twickenham: Eight police officers who came under fire during a high speed pursuit through Twickenham have received a top accolade for their bravery.

The officers PCs Ian Ash, John English, Mark Goody, Paul Hutchinson and Sergeant Mark Newman of Richmond Police, and PCs Stephen Cox, Timothy Perry and Graham Jenkins from the Hampton traffic unit were honoured for their courage in the face of extreme danger.

All eight officers received commendations from Sir John Stevens, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, at a ceremony on Tuesday for their role in the arrest of firearms fanatic George Knights following a car chase through Twickenham on April 28, 1999.

The drama began when traffic officers stopped Knights as he was driving through Hanworth after spotting he did not have a tax disk.

Knights, who was carrying a cache of loaded weapons in his car, opened fire with a Glock pistol before speeding off.

The officers gave chase but as they rounded a corner, Knights stopped his vehicle and shot the police cars tyres with an M16 rifle.

During the pursuit Knights hijacked three cars, taking the drivers hostage, and fired at unarmed police and members of the public.

He was eventually arrested following a two-hour siege at his house in Feltham.

PC Hutchinson, who was on patrol in Twickenham at the time, gave chase after seeing Knights drive into Sixth Cross Road.

He said he had acted instinctively and added: I dont think anyone acted thinking we were brave.

We are all in this job to protect ourselves as well as the public and we couldnt just leave someone to get away when they were firing an M16 rifle at passing traffic.

Anybody who got involved that day did so because it is why we joined the job.

Knights was convicted last March and received nine life sentences for firearm offences, kidnapping and intent to endanger life. He was cleared of attempted murder.

November 30, 2001 14:00