POLICE have been praised for their 'professional and fair' investigation into the murder of Christopher Lemonius.

Mr Lemonius was killed in June 2017 after being chased from his house in Blackbird Leys and hacked and beaten to death.

His murderers have since been sentenced.

Helping bring them to justice was Mike Roddy and Shan Saunders from the CPS, who on Thursday were praised for their 'professional, thorough and fair' investigation by judges at a special awards ceremony hosted by the chief constable of Thames Valley Police.

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At the ceremony police groups from around Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire were recognised for their commitment to the force and to keeping people safe.

Oxford Mail:

DC Anneliese Palfrey, PC Rob Mogridge, DS Mark Personius, DCI Lewis Prescott-Mayling, and DC Zoe Shuttleworth

Banbury officers were also given a special mention for their 'dedication' to tackling county lines.

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The team have worked to investigate burglaries and drug dealing in the area and so far, those who have been convicted have been given a combined total of 50 years behind bars.

The judges said 'all officers involved demonstrated the utmost professionalism and dedication'.