Essex Police officers awards for work on Cavendish robbery case

Mark Cavendish and his wife Peta, pictured two months before the robbery, were in their home at the time of the incident

Six police officers have been given commendations for their investigative work after a robbery at the home of elite cyclist Mark Cavendish.

Romario Henry, 31, and Ali Sesay, 28, were jailed in February for their part in the robbery in Ongar, Essex, on 27 November 2021.

Investigators from Essex and the Metropolitan Police together managed to link the two men to the scene.

Det Ch Insp Tony Atkin of Essex Police said he was "really proud of the team".

"Loughton CID, the crime scene investigators, the crime scene manager, and the Metropolitan Police all collaborated to bring these men to justice," he said.

"We were also pleased for the family, who showed tremendous strength throughout the case."

Olympian Mr Cavendish was assaulted and threatened with a knife in front of his family before the intruders left with a Louis Vuitton suitcase and two watches.

Ali Sesay (left), 28, of Kent, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and Romario Henry, 31, of south-east London was handed 15 years

During a warrant to arrest Sesay, two firearms were thrown into a neighbour's garden - and he was also charged with firearms offences and two counts of robbery.

Both men were already part of an investigation by the Metropolitan Police into a south London gang.

Sesay admitted the charges and was jailed for 12 years. Henry denied two counts of robbery but was convicted after a trial and sentenced to 15 years.

Lead investigator Det Ch Insp Atkin, Senior Crime Scene Investigator Paul Clark, Det Sgt Jonathan Ward, criminal intelligence analyst Daniel D'Arcy, PC Sean Sheppard, and Met Police Det Sgt Bryn Jefferies received their certificates at a ceremony at Essex Police headquarters.

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Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said: "Thanks to the outstanding work of our team of detectives and forensics specialists, two ruthless criminals are now serving significant prison sentences.

"This was a violent, targeted attack and the team worked tirelessly to identify the individuals responsible.

"Their dedication and professionalism were exceptional and they should be extremely proud of the role they played in bringing two dangerous men to justice."

Police officers have been awarded commendations for their investigative work after a robbery at the home of Mark Cavendish

Det Sgt Jefferies added: "The commendation was completely unexpected. You go to work and do your job.

"You don't do it for the recognition but I do feel incredibly proud to receive one."