Officers, staff and volunteers have been recognised for their assistance in policing West Sussex.

Denise Patterson, High Sheriff of West Sussex, and Assistant Chief Constable Steve Barry, presented the awards Monday evening.

One incident highlighted at the ceremony involved Sergeant Ben Websdale and PC Michael Butler.  Websdale was nominated after facing a young man with two Samurai swords whilst attending a domestic incident in Crawley.

The offender charged at the two officers and Sergeant Websdale put himself in harm’s way to protect his colleague who had tripped on an uneven path whilst stepping back.

The suspect was arrested and charged  when more units arrived.  No one was seriously injured.

Yesterday we were asking for your assistance in locating a teenager who had gone missing from Crawley.

13 year-old Cameron Gittins has now been located safe and well.

Police thank everyone who helped in tracing him.

Firefighters attended a blaze in Copthorne at the weekend.

Crews arrived at the home in Roffeys Close Sunday evening shortly before 7 o’clock to find a gas barbecue and gas cylinder well alight.

It was deemed accidental and West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have issued the following advice:

• Make sure your barbecue is in good working order.
• Ensure the barbecue is on a flat site, well away from a shed, trees or shrubs.
• Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area.
• Never leave the barbecue unattended.
• Make sure the tap is turned off before changing the gas cylinder.
• Change cylinders outdoors if possible or in a well ventilated area.
• If you suspect a leak to the cylinder or pipe work, brush soapy water around the joints and watch for bubbles – tighten to fix but do not over tighten.
• After cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before turning off at the controls to ensure any residual gas in the pipe work is used up.

Two masked men robbed a woman in her home in Reigate.

Shortly before midnight last Tuesday the victim was alone in her kitchen when the offenders entered the property through a side door.

They demanded money and her phone.  The victim was then thrown to the floor, her diamond encrusted Tag Heuer watch was taken from her wrist and £40 cash from her purse.  The offenders also attempted to take the earrings she was wearing.

The men then fled the scene in a dark-coloured vehicle.

Both suspects were wearing masks, dark clothing and had their hoods up.

Police are asking for your help in locating a teenager who has gone missing from Crawley.

13 year-old Cameron Gittins was last seen half-past eight Friday morning but did not go to school.  He had a black scooter with him.

Cameron is described as white, 5ft and slim with short brown hair.

He often hangs around skate parks and has friends in Crawley and Littlehampton.

Anyone with information is asked to phone 101.