Meet the human CCTV: a PCSO with a memory for faces so sharp he has apprehended more than 130 suspects in the last year alone with his eagle eyed talents. Community officer Andy Pope has been dubbed West Midlands Police's 'Memory Man' for his astonishing ability to spot criminals simply by memorising their faces. He spends hours every week poring over stills taken from CCTV and images from police briefing systems before hitting the streets of Birmingham to seek out troublemakers. So far, Andy's unique crime-tackling technique has led to the arrest and conviction of thieves, sex offenders and people wanted for violent crimes. In one remarkable case he even recognised a serial robber who walked past him in the city centre a whole year after his image had appeared on BBC's Crimewatch programme. The 34-year-old, who works with the Safer Travel team policing public transport routes, is now to be honoured with an award for police staff member of the year. Andy said: "With Safer Travel I spend a lot of time in Birmingham and on arterial routes into the centre. A lot of offenders do pass through city at some point and, when they do, I want to be able to recognise them.
Is your cat bored? Do his usual playthings simply not do it for him anymore? Not to worry - there's an app for that .
SOME OF the sea’s most terrifying creatures show their softer side as they join a group of diners for lunch .
Say cheese! This cheeky chappy isn’t in the mood to live up to his scary reputation as he is pictured here cracking a killer smile as he goes about his daily business .
Beautiful turquoise waves rise and fall in a series of stunning images taken along the coastline of south-eastern Australia .
THIS DANGER-mad female pensioner could be the oldest Brit to cage dive with CROCODILES .
HUDDLED together on a branch, a pair of adorable Javan scops owls soak up the sun .
HUNDREDS of hot air balloons decorate the sky above Turkey as the rising sun illuminates the spectacular scenery below .
A pair of chicks bravely decided to befriend a python, despite being the snake's favourite choice of food .
With the full moon looming behind him, this polar bear nestles down for the night .
A BROWN bear wades through waters in Alaska and waits for his lunch .
A doting seal smiles at her sweet little pup as she tickles its tummy on the beach .