A MERSEYSIDE policeman has been named as the nation’s top officer.

PC Shaun Brady is credited with turning round one of the region’s most crime-ridden areas.

Now he has been honoured in the annual Jane’s Police Review Gala Awards. PC Brady has spent 10 years working in south Liverpool.

At the start of 2000, his patch, the Cockburn Street area of Toxteth, had the highest crime and disorder levels in the city’s Riverside ward.

Since then, he has masterminded drugs raids and projects to blitz anti-social behaviour.

His dedication to residents, building their trust and spending his own time taking calls, has led to the seizure of £10,000-worth of drugs and £5,000 cash.

PC Brady said: "I am delighted to have been recognised in this category. Working with the communities of Liverpool South is extremely rewarding and I believe the length of time I have worked in the area has been key to building trust and getting to know my communities well.”

Steve Roberts, a former deputy assistant commissioner at the Met, representing the Association of Chief Police Officers, said: “He has broken down traditional attitudes of mistrust toward the police. His efforts have been rewarded by a marked downturn in both crime and disorder in his area.”

Temporary Chief Constable Bernard Lawson said: "We were very proud when Shaun received such a prestigious accolade.”