THREE officers who arrested a man from Sale for possession of a gun have been recognised as some of the bravest at Greater Manchester Police.

PCs Jack Ginger, Jessica Hamblett and Richard Hayes received the Bravery Award at the Chief Constable's Annual Awards Ceremony on Tuesday.

Back in March, the officers were on patrol in Harpurhey in North Manchester when Mohammed Shabaz Rafiq, of Wharf Road in Sale, came to their attention as one of a number of people who were acting suspiciously.

They were stopping to investigate when there was a bang, believed to have been a gunshot.

Rafiq was seen running from the area with a bin bag, before trying to get into a Ford Focus.

He failed and the officers were able to catch up to him and arrest him.

They found a bin bag containing a gun and an empty cartridge nearby.

In July, Rafiq was sentenced to five years in prison after admitting to possession of a gun at Manchester Crown Court.

At the time, Detective Constable Liam Carolan said: "The bravery of the three officers could've arguably saved a life.

"They're a credit to GMP."

And after the Annual Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, Chief Constable Stephen Watson added to DC Carolan's praise.

He said: "I was honoured to have been able to present awards to such well-deserving individuals who make such a valuable contribution to our communities, often sacrificing their safety, to keep the people of Greater Manchester safe.

"Our communities deserve the best policing service we can provide, and all those nominated for awards, as well as the winners, and thousands of other officers and staff across the force, represent just that.

"It is true GMP is not currently reaching its full potential, however, I hope the passion, commitment and bravery we see in the stories shared at the ceremony serve as a motivator for the force, as well as reassurance and as a source of pride for the people of Greater Manchester, that GMP is committed to keeping them safe and committed to making the improvements needed."