A FORMER Newham police officer has been rewarded in the New Year’s Honours.

Pc Ivor Macgregor will receive the Queen’s Policing Medal for Services to Policing in recognition of his 42-year career and bravery.

The 62-year-old worked at Forest Gate Police Station for more than ten years, during which time he was commended for the arrest and conviction of a suspect for a double murder in Forest Gate in 1991.

He apprehended the suspect walking down the street after leaving a property where two women were found bludgeoned to death with a hammer. Pc Macgregor was also involved in foiling a kidnap attempt on Princess Anne.

Pc Macgregor said: “My family and I are extremely honoured and proud. I was just in my 20s when I was called out to the Princess Anne kidnap attempt. I saw the Royal car and someone shouted ‘that’s him’ so I ran after without thinking and he turned round and pointed his gun at me. I jumped on him instinctively and held him as he struggled until help arrived.”

Insp John Goodwin, who works with Ivor, added: “He is an inspiration to everyone he works with. He is a fantastic credit to the organisation. He’ss a very brave man. This honour is thoroughly well-deserved.”