THREE police officers and a member of police staff have been commended for their work in bringing a 14-year-old offender to justice.

Sergeant Louise Meeson, PCs Clive Llewellyn and Kellie Irvine and Vulnerable and Intimidated Witness Interviewer, Ingrid Scott, received divisional commendations for their work in dealing with the girl, who committed a large number of assaults and other offences and was reported missing numerous times between the end of 2007 and early 2008.

Many of the victims and witnesses were also juveniles.

A number of meetings were held with social services and other organisations in an attempt to resolve the issue.

As a result of the investigation, 19 charges - mainly assaults - were brought against the girl and she received a 12-month custodial sentence.

David Spencer, Chief Supt of North Worcestershire division, said: “The officers and Ms Scott were presented with divisional commendations for their hard work, dedication, professionalism and tenacity in this large scale inquiry.

“They overcame significant obstacles, collating and collecting evidence and delivering justice to a significant number of victims of crime.”