A POLICE murder squad team who helped catch the killer of a Bolton boy has been commended.

Eighteen officers received awards from Det Chief Supt Tony Keegan, head of crime investigations, in recognition of their work in the Dillon Hull killing.

Dillon, aged five, was gunned down in Bankfield Street, Deane, in August 1997 as he walked hand-in-hand with his stepfather John Bates.

The little lad was shot in the head with a single bullet by a gunman who had been aiming at Mr Bates.

A major murder probe was launched and within a week of Dillon's killing, the team of detectives had made an arrest, which was quickly followed by two more.

Now, nearly two years after Paul Seddon, of Chorley New Road was jailed for life for Dillon's murder, the officers who helped catch him have been praised by their bosses.

And Bolton's top cop, Chief Supt Mel Pelham has led the praise for the detectives involved in the harrowing murder inquiry.

He said: "The Dillon Hull murder was a significant murder inquiry which required many police resources and a great deal of detective skills.

"The officers commended have demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism in carrying out their inquiries under very difficult circumstances.

"This led to the arrest of serious offenders who offered high levels of violence towards people. Their arrest and subsequent conviction has significance in protecting the people of Bolton."

Officers from police stations in Farnworth, Astley Bridge and Bolton Central are among those honoured for their work, along with colleagues based at stations in Tameside, Eccles, Stalybridge and Longsight.

Det Con Steve Mahon, based at Bolton Central, was one of the 18 honoured. He said: "It was an excellent investigation which was really efficiently run.

"It must have been a harrowing experience for any officer who was called to the scene. The witnesses in the trial and members of the public played an important part in the successful result."

Seddon was jailed in November 1998 following a lengthy trial at Preston Crown Court.

Two other men - David Hargreaves and Craig Hollinrake, both from Breightmet - were jailed for 18 years and 16 years respectively for their part in planning the assassination of Mr Bates.