THE team of detectives who worked on the Moses Gate rape investigation received awards for "outstanding work, professionalism, commitment and enthusiasm".
They worked around the clock after a 17-year-old girl was raped at knifepoint.
The investigation involved hours of house-to-house inquiries, detailed forensic work and many hours of interview with the victim.
With her help, a computer-generated image of the rapist was compiled and circulated around Farnworth. The image ultimately led to his capture.
The woman was approached by Aytekin Yildirim as she walked her dog through the country park in Farnworth last February. He held a knife to her throat then brutally raped her.
Yildirim, aged 19, of Embsay Close, Astley Bridge, pleaded guilty to two charges of rape, one count of robbery and one count of possession of a bladed instrument. He was given three life sentences at Manchester Crown Court last September and a judge branded him a "danger to the public".
Awards went to Det Insp Andy Aston, Det Con Stephen Roxburgh, Det Con Claire Donnelly, Det Con Karen Daniel, Det Con Simon Murphy, Det Con Gerrard Earley, Det Con David Fox, Det Con Gary Knox, Det Con Ian Graham, Det Con Ian Wilson.
Scene of Crime Officers Amanda Melling and Suzanne Hampton were also honoured.
GOOD WORK: Officers are honoured for their work in the Moses Gate rape case. From left, Det Insp Andrew Aston, Det Con Karen Daniel, Det Con Gerrard Earley, Scenes of Crime Officers Amanda Melling and Suzanne Hampton, Det Con Simon Murphy and Det Con Claire Donnelly, with, right, Ch Supt Dave Lea
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