Ref. 10208-02A POLICE officer who gave chase to a gang of burglars at speeds of up to 130mph has been awarded for his bravery.

Pc Steve Rawson, 41, has received a Divisional Commander's Award for his presence of mind during the 20-minute chase, which began after three men in balaclavas smashed their way into a Purton shop with baseball bats and stole cigarettes in the early hours of November 8 last year.

As his colleague, Pc Chris Barham, put his foot down in hot pursuit of the gang, Pc Rawson's job was to communicate their position to the station.

"We pursued them for four miles towards Chippenham before they stopped and reversed-rammed us," said Pc Rawson.

The gang sped away in the opposite direction, but the brakes on the officers' car had been badly damaged and the pursuit had to be abandoned.

No-one has been convicted of the burglary and the police inquiry is on-going.

Pc Rawson, who is based in Chippenham, said he was surprised when he heard he was to receive the award.

It was presented to him yesterday.