Macclesfield police officers have been commended for a life-threatening rescue which saw saving multiple snow-trapped cars earlier this year.

During a very icy and snowy January afternoon, PC Karl Shields, PC Steven Kaminski, and Sgt Rob Simpson conducted a 40-mile round-trip rescue mission at the White Peak area of Cheshire.

They were accompanied by Macclesfield Police Beat Manager PC Jim Halling and Macclesfield Central Police Constable Paul Jacklin, who were also awarded with gongs for their bravery.

It involved rescuing nine cars of families who opted to go on a walk on Saturday January 2 2021, despite the country being in Tier 4 'stay at home' of coronavirus restrictions at the time.

Many of the families were from Manchester, who got caught up in a 'predicted but sudden heavy snow shower blanketing the area'.

Cheshire Constabulary's Sergeant Simpson said: "It's fantastic to acknowledge the great work done by police officers, and today we've received Local Recognition Commendations in relation to a 'Snow Rescue' back in January - Signed by Supt Crowcroft".

"Three members of our team (PC Kaminski, PC Shields and I) worked with Beat and Response officers from Macclesfield Police to rescue 22 people and a dog.

"Eight of them were children with the youngest being two years of age. All had become stranded in vehicles, some distance from help.

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"Congratulations goes to all of them for their brilliant work."

The local coppers worked in challenging and treacherous conditions in fading light, and then darkness to clear the path and walk people one mile to an RV point at a nearby farm for warmth and an eventual escorting from the danger zone.

The award states: "All the officers put themselves at significant risk to ensure that the families could get home safely."

All but one of the cars were from Cheshire, who travelled despite the Met Office snow and ice warning.

Folks travelled from Sale, Stockport, Salford and Congleton for what they thought would be an breathtaking stroll in the Cheshire snow - which turned out to be unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.

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