AN ICE hockey player has put down the puck to become a police officer.

Paul Swindlehurst, from Blackrod, joined Greater Manchester Police in September after becoming inspired by another police officer looking for a missing child.

Since then, the 28-year-old has swapped the ice rink to chase after criminals and is loving it.

He said: “I first thought about becoming a police officer after meeting and speaking to a police officer years ago at a tram stop because they were looking for a missing child.

“I remember thinking how interesting it would be to be involved and I’ve stayed in touch with that officer ever since - we’re still friends. I always knew after I stopped playing hockey, the police would be something I’d love to get into.”

“I’m really enjoying it so far - some of it is really interesting and I’m looking forward to getting started. I’m used to working in a team from when I played ice hockey so I can now apply that to my role as a police officer for a big police force in a huge area.”

Paul’s ice hockey career took him to Canada at 16 on a scholarship, before returning to play for Swinton, Dundee Stars, the Nottingham Panthers, Belfast Giants and back to the US with Chicago Blackhawks.

The police officer has even represented England in the World Championships and Olympic qualifiers.

He said: “I was first introduced to ice hockey when I was four. My mum worked with someone who knew a roller hockey coach, so I was taken down to see them train.

“I was stood in the sports hall, and I’d only ever seen football, rugby and cricket before.

“The coach asked me what I thought, and I knew it was something I wanted to try. I got home from school the next day and my parents bought me the equipment and I began playing at Altrincham ice rink.”

Paul had been playing since he was nine years old, with the then Mayor of Bolton, Cllr John Bragg congratulating him on his silver medal from the World Youth Inline Hockey Championships Toronto.

He said: “I’ve always known I’ve wanted to give something back and always tried to do that when I was a hockey player.

“We’d visit Great Ormond Street and meet fans who were thrilled to meet you - it was brilliant to know you could make ”