In total, an estimated 100 officers from across our region threw their weight behind the operation to track down the suspects.

Officers were at the scene within minutes of being notified that there was an incident and they had three suspects behind bars within an hour.

They had dozens of officers knocking on doors to find out information about the attacks and one heroic officer handcuffed a suspect after rugby tackling him to the ground.

They also had forensic teams scouring the scenes of the crime and arrests and liaison officers comforting the families of those who were killed.

Leader of Gosport council Councillor Mark Hook said: 'I'd like to praise the police for the work that they've done, from their fast response right through to making the three arrests. It has been an exceptional piece of police work and people should take reassurance from that.'

Superintendent Phil Winchester, who is investigating the incident, said: 'The response of the police officers has been quite exceptional and they conducted themselves with great professionalism.'