Officers and staff from Essex Police have received commendations for their lifesaving efforts when a millionaire was shot in the leg with a sawn-off shotgun during a raid on his home.

Charlie Simms, then 23, and Christopher Bergin, then 27, were sentenced to a combined 34 years in jail after the burglary at the home of Timothy Mardon in Sible Hedingham in 2016.

Ds Mick Carrington, Dc Chris Sedgewick, Pc Neil Rowland and police staff member Gill Rendall received the awards from Chief Constable Stephen Kavanagh for their work on the case.

During the ceremony, Mr Kavanagh said: “These commendations are a chance to say thank you for the brilliant work that takes place across this county every day by our officers, staff and in this case member of the public.

“Whether its officers who are responding to those in need of help or detectives carrying out complex investigations, as their Chief Constable, it’s a pleasure to celebrate their continued dedication and bravery.”

After Mr Mardon was shot, officers worked quickly to save the businessman’s life, stemming the blood loss while armed officers stood guard in case the gunmen were still there.

Following the case, Det Chief Insp Leighton Hammett, said: “I have nothing but praise for the officers who attended.

“Mr Mardon was left bleeding to death and if it were not for the quick-thinking of the officers at the scene to use a tourniquet on his injury, doctors say he would have died.

“I want to praise the bravery and courage of Mr Mardon throughout this entire process and the work of the investigating officers to help bring these two callous individuals to justice.”