Riley’s station visit was a bobby-dazzler
A budding young detective put his skills to the test as he was given a day to remember by kind-hearted officers.
Nine-year-old Riley has beenfascinatedwiththework of the police from an early age and has recently been learningaboutthe1963GreatTrain Robbery in a school project.
The creative Wearside youngster has been hard at work considering how he would have caught the criminals and how he could crack someofhistory’smostfamous cases.
So when mum Sophie Lloyd got in touch with officers in South Shields about Riley potentially visiting a real police station, a group of enthusiasticPCsrosetothechallenge.
The schoolboy and proud mum were last week shown around Millbank Police Station by PC Andy Smith – who himself was given a good grillingbytheup-and-comingcop.
“Riley had such an amazing day.
"He hasn’t stopped beaming ever since,” Sophie, 30,
said.
“The officers were amazing with him. He was shown around the cells, how real-life criminalsarepicturedandfingerprinted, as well as having a look inside a police car.
“He loved being in charge – and even booked some of the officers into custody! He’s fascinated with being a detectiveandalltheworkthatcrime scene investigators do.
“I would like to thank everyonewhoplayedtheirpartin making his dream a reality for
the day. It has really inspired him and I’m sure he will never forget it.”
PCSmithadded:“Onquite a few occasions, Riley showcased his detective nous and put us all on the spot – asking lots of questions and showing he has all the makings of a top police officer.
“We’re pleased we could bring a smile to his face, especiallyafterwhathasbeensuch aturbulentcoupleofyearsfor everyone across the country, and it was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with him.”
In recognition of his hard work in the school project, Riley – who lives in Red House – was also awarded the latest monthly “Community Hero” award.
Theaccoladeishandedout torecogniseoutstandingpeopleacrossthenorthofSunderlandwhohavegoneaboveand beyond – whether they have shown an exceptional act of kindness, had a special personal achievement or anything in between.