A woman has paid tribute to a “hero” police officer who has now retired from the force.

Sarojini Patel, of Herga Road, Wealdstone, has paid tribute to PC Derek Livingstone of the Marlborough Safer Neighbourhood Team after a “builder from hell” left the work in her flat incomplete, giving her fake gas and electricity certificate.

With the flat unsafe to live in, she was forced to move elsewhere and turned to the Safer Neighbourhood Team to help resolve the problem.

She said: “I gave PC Livingstone my builder's mobile number to call him to come and rectify the work.

“He telephoned the builder and Derek, realising my distress, visited me every day to discuss the issue.”

Mrs Patel says that the former officer has helped her and the wider community on many occasions during his service, and was sad to see him go.

She added: “He is an experienced officer and is always eager to help residents with their problems and is a hero in my eyes.

“He was always willing to help whenever I needed advice.

“I would run to him straight away, just like small child would run toward the parents for help and he would help me.”

PC Livingstone retired from the Marlborough Safer Neighbourhood Team and Harrow Police at the end of last month.