A POLICE officer from Poland who helped with a high-profile North-East murder inquiry has been named as County Durham’s special constable of the year.

Special Constable Daniel Kempf liaised with Polish police on behalf of detectives investigating the death of dairy worker Danuta Domagalska at Walworth Gate, near Darlington.

Her body was found in a shallow grave at New Moor Farm, where she worked, on August 20, days after her brother, Piotr’s, body had been found hanging from a tree near the farm.

Police believe Mr Lawniczak strangled his sister on August 6 after an argument about money.

Special Constable Kempf, who at the time was on holiday in Poland at the time, contacted his supervisor to offer his support, and offered to return.

However, he remained in Poland and worked with the Polish police.

The 30-year-old, who lives in Firthmoor with his wife and daughter, said: “As soon as I heard I sent an email that I could come home straight away. I wanted to be able to help the family.”

The Durham Special Constabulary annual awards event was held yesterday, at the Rainton Meadows Arena, in Houghton-le-Spring.

The force has more than 130 active volunteer officers operating in the County Durham and Darlington area who give up their spare time to serve their local communities.

The awards ceremony heard that Special Constable Kempf, who works as a taxi driver in Darlington, has developed into a first-class officer, who is now an integral part of the shift as well a Polish translator, to a growing Polish community.

He said: “I really appreciate this award. I do my best, but I am just doing my job, so thank you very much. I was surprised to get the award though. I am very happy and delighted.”

Special Superintendent Michelle Robson said SC Kempf showed outstanding commitment to duty and provided an effective link for police in Darlington and the Polish community.

She said: “He is hands on and dedicated and always does what he says he is going to. These awards provide recognition for the good work that people do by volunteering and giving up their own time.”

Special Constable Neil Craggs was named as the runner up in the special constable of the year category.

He has 22 months of service with Durham Police and works with the relief response team, covering Peterlee, Seaham and Durham police areas.

He was said to have displayed an excellent level of performance over the past 12 months and has contributed to the delivery of a more effective police service.

Special Constable Craggs has worked more than 520 hours this year, despite running his own business and looking after his wife and four children.

He monitors shift duties and staffing, identifying times when his services will be most needed, pre-empting staff shortages, and volunteering his services, taking away the strain of finding additional resources.

Chief Inspector Elaine Taylor said: “Neil’s actions and outstanding commitment have made a real difference to the lives of residents.”