THE police officers who arrested an Ellesmere Port murderer have been commended by a Chester judge.

Police Constables Mike Rogers and Ethan Linforth were the two officers who stopped 22-year-old Arkadiusz Kaczmarek on Westminster Bridge, Ellesmere Port, at 3am on May 2.

At the time, they had no way of knowing that, just a couple of hours earlier, Kaczmarek had brutally stabbed his 47-year-old housemate Slawomir Kulesza to death at their Blakemere Court home.

Initially, they were mainly concerned for Kaczmarek's welfare, and noticed his clothing was blood-stained, suspected he had cut his hand.

After it became clear Kaczmarek could speak very little English, the officers used a translator app to communicate with him and take him home.

It was only when they returned to the house that PC Linforth discovered the horrific sight of Mr Kulesza's body in a pool of blood on the kitchen floor.

PC Rogers, who was at the time talking to Kaczmarek and getting ID details from him, was alerted to the scene and promptly handcuffed and arrested Kaczmarek.

Following a nine-day trial, the jury unanimously convicted Kaczmarek of murder and he has been sentenced to life, with a minimum of 19 years before he can be eligible for parole.

Chief Inspector Catherine Pritchard, of Ellesmere Port Local Policing Unit, said: “The details of the brutal killing of Slawomir Kulesza may shock the local community.

“I would like to thank the members of the public who have helped to secure the murder conviction and bring Kaczmarek to justice.

“I would also like to thank the officers that have been involved in this case for all their hard work.

“Police Constables Mike Rogers and Ethan Linforth, the two officers who stopped Arkadiusz Kaczmarek on Westminster Bridge and subsequently discovered the body of his victim through first-class police work, are a credit to the force.

“The same is true of our Major Investigation Team, who have worked tirelessly in gathering vital evidence and piecing together the case.

“This included speaking to witnesses, collecting and viewing CCTV footage and carrying out forensic enquiries.”

Honorary Recorder of Chester Judge Steven Everett singled out PCs Rogers and PC Linforth for praise after body-worn camera footage of their police work on the night that Slawomir was murdered was shown at court.

He said: “Arkadiusz Kaczmarek did his best to persuade them not to look for him (Slawomir), but fortunately the officers did so and found the terrible scene.

“Their behaviour was magnificent – their patience, respect and caring approach.

“The footage shows PC Linforth faced with a man lying fatally injured, doing his best to effect CPR.

“PC Rogers showed professionalism and calmness, looking out for his colleague and the defendant.

“There was no hint of panic or distress, and both officers should be commended for that.”

He added that he wished his remarks to be passed on to Cheshire Constabulary's Chief Constable Darren Martland.

David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, added: “I would like to praise the two PCs and everyone involved in the subsequent investigation for their outstanding police work that has led to this murder conviction.

“As this case shows, the consequences of getting heavily drunk and using a knife as a weapon can be devastating for everyone involved.

“This horrendous crime was committed by a previously law-abiding citizen.

“My condolences go to the victim’s family. I hope that this conviction, and the fact that his killer is now facing the consequences of his appalling actions, provides them with some comfort.”