A Police Community Support Officer from Manchester has been commended by the Chief Constable.

Ahmed Farooqi, who works as a PCSO in Didsbury, Manchester was first recognised at the Forces internal STARS awards on Friday 14th October 2016, winning the prestigious Karin Mulligan award for Diversity in Action.

He then received a Chief’s Commendation at a ceremony.

Ahmed 45, originally from India, received both awards for his work while assisting St Edmunds Church food bank in Whalley Range, establishing a multi faith council and giving presentations to the senior Indian community about hate crime.

During the France bombing incident Ahmed brought the Multi-Faith council which consist of all Imams Priest Temple leaders from Hindu and Sikh Communities and he also did an event in solidarity. Mr Farooqi represented the South Manchester Area in the We Stand Together campaign which was run by Greater Manchester police and crime commissioner Tony Lloyd and Chief Inspector Umer Khan.

PCSO Farooqi said: “I am proud to serve as a PCSO to a multicultural, diverse community which is made up of both beautiful old Victorian churches to still very active Mosques.

“Receiving the award felt like all the work I did with the community had been recognised - I didn’t feel that I got the award personally, I feel that I am the recipient of the award on behalf of the whole Whalley Range community.”

GMP’s Chief Constable gives out commendations throughout the year, recognising members of the public and officers for an impressive contribution to their community.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, said: “Effective policing is only achieved through community cohesion, something that Ahmed works extremely hard to achieve. Greater Manchester has wonderfully diverse communities and its people like PCSO Farooqi who show just what can be achieved when we all come together.

"It’s right that we recognise his work both internally and alongside members of the public – thank you for your service Ahmed.”