TWO officers have been commended for helping to save the life of a popular post office clerk who had his throat slashed by a fraudster in Forest Gate.
He refused three times to cash benefit cheques that did not officially belong to a couple when they entered the branch, in Field Road, on a wintry night in November 2003.
During a growing argument, the man slashed the clerk's throat with a lino knife, severing an artery. The couple ran to a nearby car and drove off threatening to return and kill others if the cheques were not cashed.
A car description was circulated and police in Dagenham arrested the couple. The man was sentenced to nine years for GBH with intent at Snaresbrook Crown Court last June.
PCs Vincent Hawkes and Francis Beeley were first on the scene and gave vital first aid to the post office clerk before an ambulance arrived.
Doctors at Newham General Hospital said their work to stem the blood flow helped save his life.
Det Sgt Barry Owen, Det Cons Michael Selbie and Det Insp Leslie Stiff were also commended for taking control of the situation on arrival, securing the crime scene for forensic officers and following up on leads about the criminals.
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