A police sergeant helped snare benefit fraudsters wrongly pocketing £300,000 in welfare payments.

Wallington South safer neighbourhoods sergeant Peter Le-Shirley worked closely in partnership with Sutton Council’s benefit fraud team.

At the Sutton borough commander’s commendation ceremony Sgt Le-Shirley was praised for his contribution resulting in more than 20 arrests for fraud.

Inspector Colin Baker, from Sutton police, said: “The strong links that Sgt Le-Shirley has built up with the local authority has been a success for the borough and he thoroughly deserves this recognition.“ Sgt Peter Le-Shirley was commended for his “exemplary leadership and partnership working.”