Bradford detective Gerry O’Shea will tomorrow be starting his 30th consecutive Christmas at work.

And the Detective Inspector is in good company this season, as his son Daragh will also be at work at the city’s Trafalgar House Police Station.

Christmas has been a juggling act for Det Insp O'Shea and his family since he left his home in Ireland to be a young police officer in Bradford.

Now Daragh, 27, and Det Insp O’Shea’s younger son Sean, 18, have followed in his footsteps to work with Bradford South Police.

Sean works in the Intelligence Department, while Daragh is based in the Operations Department at Trafalgar House. Daragh’s partner Claire is a PCSO in Leeds.

“Christmas is a very important time for our family, my wife Marion and our four children,” said Det Insp O’Shea.

“Now the children are grown up Christmas is easier than it was where time has to be put aside for Santa’s visit and the early morning opening of the presents.

“I accept I often have to be on duty when others are enjoying themselves, but I’ve learned to be flexible and by working closely with colleagues, always make some free time to celebrate.”

Celebrating the festive season with a trip to Ireland to spend time with his two granddaughters, Aoibhinne and Ailish, four, he recalls his first working Christmas when he was based at the old Odsal police station.

“I had not been over very long from a quiet rural part of Ireland where crime is non-existent,” he said.

“It was a shock to the system. It was non-stop with one emergency call followed by another, mainly street fights and bar room brawls. It was quite exciting for a young officer.”

He added: “You hope that peace and goodwill will prevail, but it’s brought home to you that it’s not the case with everyone.”

But Det Insp O’Shea believes crime and violence at Christmas has not increased in the 30 years since he started policing in Bradford.

He said: “Public perception of crime is that it is high. But the public is now far more aware of crime issues because of the availability of information and modern media methods which bring news into our homes almost instantly. I believe we are all safer than when I started my career.”

Det Insp O’Shea, who has received more than 20 commendations from judges, coroners and chief constables during his career, said he hoped everyone would have a happy and peaceful Christmas.

He said: “I don’t want to see anguished families concerned for their loved ones who have been hurt. I don’t want to see homes broken into and presents and sentimental items stolen.

“However, I know there will be innocent members of the community affected by crime this Christmas. They can be reassured that we, and our colleagues throughout West Yorkshire Police, will be there to support them.”

It will be Det Insp O’Shea’s last Christmas working at Bradford South. In the new year he is taking up a new challenge working at a police division in Leeds.