When a nine-year-old Fromes Hill lad went missing as darkness fell on a July evening, off-duty local officer for Bromyard Town, Pc John Meek, had a phone call at home from a concerned member of the public.
Pc Meek knew nothing of the missing boy report, but his informant said he had seen a youngster cycling from Bromyard towards Hereford at about 8pm.
The lad had been reported missing at 9pm, had not been seen for a couple of hours and was believed to be on his bicycle. because of his age and the failing light, local police asked residents to help with a search of the area where the lad was last seen.
The force helicopter was called out and officers from the dog section and surrounding divisions were mobilised to start a full-scale search.
Now aware of the possible dangers facing the boy, Pc Meek roused his neighbour, Special Constable Charles Pudge.
Using their extensive local knowledge they phoned every farm in the area to raise the alert and get farmers to check outbuildings and land next to the road.
They then went to Bromyard police station, grabbing radios and torches, and began house to house en-quiries.
At around 11pm, SC Pudge received a call of a sighting at Moreton Jeffries, and the two officers found the boy fast asleep in a barn at a farm in the village. He was returned home safe and well.
Chief Superintendent Mark Turner said: “The prompt action and extensive local knowledge of these two officers allowed us to bring matters to a swift and safe conclusion, saving considerable time and money.
“But more than that, it shows the dedication to duty that we hope all our staff aspire to.
“Both men responded to the emergency in true West Mercia style, acting with professionalism and dedication, which ultimately saw the boy returned safely home to his family.”
