A police officer is set for a hat-trick of awards after just two-and-a-half years in the force.

This year Pc Matt Sulley, 26, based in Oxford, has already been chosen as Thames Valley Police’s student officer of the year and picked up a Chief Superintendent’s commendation for bravery.

But the awards have not finished there – Mr Sulley will represent Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire in national student officer of the year awards against officers from 43 other forces at a London ceremony on Thursday.

He won a place in the final for excellent work during his two-year probation in Oxford, which included catching a drug dealer in Cowley and capturing a man wanted for attempted murder.

He said: “I’m very pleased, but it’s not just down to one police officer because you can’t achieve anything without the team you are in.

“I’m really proud, but it’s also great for Cowley and St Aldate’s police stations as it shows we are all working very well as a team.

“I wasn’t expecting it but it’s great to be rewarded.

“Now I am up against the best in the country. I’ve read some of their citations and it is good company to be in.”

The citation for the Jane’s Police Review Gala Awards Student Officer of the Year category praises Mr Sulley for carrying out many hours of research into a persistent and violent offender.

When the man was caught, Pc Sulley interviewed him three times in as many hours.

His determination resulted in more than 20 crimes being detected and a lengthy jail term.

Mr Sulley also captured a man wanted by the Metropolitan Police in London for a traffic offence.

It transpired he was also wanted for attempted murder.

The trainee leapt over garden fences in Cowley and struggled with the man before managing to subdue him.

Last year, Pc Sulley also helped capture drug dealer Kyle Otwell, 22, who was carrying £10,000 worth of cocaine and heroin.

Otwell was jailed for four years for possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: “Matt is a hardworking and dedicated officer whose outstanding abilities and mature outlook have led him to become a key officer in the Oxford team.”