In their daily battle against a remorseless tide of crime, officers of London's Metropolitan Police routinely risk their lives protecting society.

Veteran detective and crime author Dick Kirby has brought together a superb collection of inspiring stories of police gallantry over the last hundred years.

All four officers to be honored with the George Cross, the highest civilian award have their stories told including Jim Beaton who saved Princess Anne from kidnap in The Mall.

Three women officers have been awarded the George Medal, two for decoy work, the third for a heroic rooftop rescue.

The book concludes with the astonishing story of a retired detective who tackled armed robbers at the cost of his eye. He may have left the Met behind him but not his courage.

Every page of this gripping book is full of excitement and courage of the highest order.