Four police constables were today handed awards for their distinguished service during 2010.

PCs Kenneth Ciangura and Kurt Gauci of the mobile squad were praised for their devotion to duty under fire when they foiled the attempted hold-up at the HSBC depot in Qormi. The two had been able to return fire and prevent the robbery from taking place. It later resulted that one of the alleged assailants was hit by one of their bullets, a situation which led to his arrest.

Also recognised for their outstanding service were PCs Robert Vassallo and Kenneth Camilleri who rescued a woman from a burning house last September.

The two policemen had been driving on their motorcycles towards the residence of the Prime Minister for escort duties on September 8 when they spotted a commotion outside a house which was on fire.

They dashed to the house next door, climbed to the roof, jumped over a boundary wall and entered the house through the washroom. Once inside, they made their way down the stairs to the second floor, where, although they could hardly see anything, they spotted a moving shadow. It was Marcelle Mangion 54.

Barely able to breathe, they grabbed the woman and ran back up to the washroom. They were initially trapped and because of the thick smoke but PC Camilleri smashed a window, ripping his gloves and hurting his hand. They were then able to push the woman onto the roof and get out to safety.

As the woman was being treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics, the two policemen rushed back inside to remove two gas cylinders they had seen in the courtyard.

The two officers said this morning that they had been disappointed that onlookers who had arrived earlier had not intervened to save the woman, and said they would do the whole thing all over again, if required.

Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici and Police Commissioner John Rizzo praised the four officers for their service and bravery.

A trophy was this morning also presented to the Fourth Police District - which encompasses Cottonera - for having managed to reduce the crime rate by 11.4 per cent last year. Mr Rizzo said this was no mean achievement for the district.

He said that last year was a tough one for the police force, but one which was also marked with significant successes.

Certificates were also presented to long-serving policemen.