POLICE who attended the scene of a horrific crash on a notoriously dangerous stretch of road have received certificates of merit for their actions.

Sgt Chris Moore and PC Stephen Bussey, along with support staff Philip Gage and Steven Bates, received the awards in recognition of their professionalism at the scene of the accident on the A36 near Warminster in June 2003.

The accident happened when a car collided with an Iveco Tipper lorry on June 21 at Norridge Common, near the Granada Services.

Driver Stephen Pickett, 26, from Guildford, Surrey and his rear seat passenger Sarah Mills, 23, from Gillingham, Dorset, died after the collision with the 3.5-tonne truck.

Mr Pickett had been driving his grey Peugeot 405 towards Bath when it collided head-on with the lorry.

The impact was so severe that the car was ripped apart and the scene that officers had to face was one of complete carnage.

Presenting the certificates, Insp Sarah Bodell said: "It is recognised that this incident was particularly unpleasant and your professionalism at the scene is to be commended."

Speaking after receiving the certificate Sgt Moore said: "It was a scene of absolute carnage. There were cars and large vehicles all over the

road. It was a scene of utter devastation.

"It was a case of having to keep focusing on the job we have to do."

The officers had to secure the scene and preserve evidence and also help to free the victims from the wreckage.

PC Bussey said: "We do it because it is what we are trained to do. We work as part of a team in the traffic department. As bad as this particular job was it is nice to be recognised for it."