THREE police officers from Haringey have received Commissioner's Commendations for their roles in tackling gun crime on the streets of the capital, writes Simon Overton.

The awards recognise officers who have shown great courage in dealing with people they believe to be armed.

The bravery of PC David Gooderham and PC Daniel Milton was recognised for disarming a man who had raided Barclays Bank in Wood Green High Road in March 2002.

The officers took up the chase for the man, who had stolen £3,390, from Wood Green Tube Station after a London Underground employee stopped a train from leaving the station, forcing the armed raider above ground.

The police officers chased the man to Redvers Road and into a nearby yard.

The gun was finally thrown aside following a violent struggle in which the PCs used their batons and CS spray to bring the man under control.

A third policeman who cannot be identified due to his undercover work within the force was recognised for arresting a man taking part in a raid on Ladbrokes betting shop in Tottenham in January 2002.

The police officer struck the man on the legs with his baton after he refused to drop the weapon he was pointing at the cashier. It appeared to be a gun wrapped in a plastic bag.

He was able to partially handcuff the raider before backup arrived. The weapon was revealed to be a pair of pliers held so as to resemble a gun.

Borough Commander Stephen Bloomfield said: "Policing the streets of Haringey can, at times, be a very dangerous job.

"These officers were presented with two such situations and their selfless courage and professionalism is an example to us all."