Hero ex-cop helps snare violent burglars

Two violent burglars have been jailed for more than 16 years for battering a retired policeman who heroically intervened as they stole a stash of gold from a family home.

Kenneth Alen was at home when he spotted David Hansen, 27, and Sean Bello, 24, circling his street in a black Audi before breaking into the nearby address in South Woodford, Essex.

The pair forced entry in hoodies and balaclavas before making off with the treasures along with flick knives and a large screwdriver.

Brave Mr Alen, a retired Met sergeant who served in Tower Hamlets, east London, dialled 999 and was repeatedly punched while trying to block the raiders as they left the premises.

PC Natalia Kolodziej arrived to find them punching Mr Alen before chasing them into the kitchen and restraining them.

The pair denied but were convicted of aggravated burglary by a jury at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

Hansen, of Lawes Way, Barking, was sentenced to nine years imprisonment while Bello, of no fixed address, was jailed for seven and a half years.

DC Danny D’Arcy, of the East Area Command Unit, said: ‘A police officer is never off duty, and this is a prime example of that.

‘Hansen and Bello pose a significant risk of harm to the public and have been incarcerated for their crimes thanks to the valiant and selfless actions of Mr Alen and PC Kolodziej, who have teamed up to go above and beyond what is expected of them to apprehend armed and violent offenders in difficult circumstances.

‘Also due to the diligent work of the officer in the case, DC McNamee of the East Area Gangs and Proactive Unit, they were charged with aggravated burglary and received the significant sentence.’
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