THE lead detective in the case thanked both the tireless effort of Dorset Police and the public in tracking down the suspect.

Detective Chief Superintendent Colin Stanger hailed the police work and the public’s support leading up to the suspect’s capture.

He said: “The bravery of the firearms officers who went into the woods in pitch black was tremendous – it was also a good effort with the helicopter.

“And we could not have done this without the support of the public as well as the dedication and professionalism of the staff involved.”

He thanked members of the public, as well as the many police officers and staff involved in the search to find the suspect.

He said: “I am extremely grateful for the support received from the public, particularly in the Weymouth and Portland area.

“Throughout the course of the operation, the support and assistance of the public, together with the dedication and professionalism of the officers and staff involved has been integral to bringing this incident to a safe conclusion – with the arrest of the suspect.

“I am particularly pleased that the search for Colin Douglas was resolved with no injuries to the public or police officers and staff.”

He also thanked police forces in Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall and Wiltshire for their assistance and support throughout the operation.

Chairman of the Dorset Police Federation Clive Chamberlain said: “My colleagues worked tirelessly to bring this incident to a conclusion.

“I recognise the hard work and tenacity that went into the operation and I am extremely proud of my colleagues.

“Everyone did an incredible job and the way the operation was led is a tribute to DCS Stanger and his team.”

* DCS Stanger thanked the Dorset Echo for its coverage both in the newspaper and on the internet leading up to Colin Douglas’s arrest.

And he thanked the newspaper for its reporting both after the armed robbery and when the Post Office announced a £25,000 reward was being offered for information that would lead to Douglas’s arrest and conviction.

DCS Stanger said: “The Echo did a sterling amount of work not only in the paper but also online so I would like to say a personal thank-you in relation to the Echo’s assistance during the operation.”

DCS Stanger: “I’m very grateful for the coverage and the support given to the police by the Echo in getting the message out.”