Prince Charles pays tribute to killed officers in National Police Memorial Day service

Memorial service: Prince Charles paid tribute to police officers killed in the line of duty
EPA
Chloe Chaplain25 September 2016

Prince Charles has paid tribute to police officers killed in the line of duty in a memorial service at St Paul’s Cathedral.

The National Police Memorial Day service, commemorating those who have served in the UK, was attended by 2,000 people, including relatives, colleagues and dignitaries.

The Prince of Wales led the service and spoke of the importance of police when amid security challenges of today.

Family members who lost loved ones offered prayers and lit candles in their honour, and the names of those who have died in the past year were read aloud to the congregation.

St Paul's: Police officers stand to attention outside the service to commemorate National Police Memorial Day
PA

Charles, who is patron of National Police Memorial Day, paid tribute to those he said had "paid the ultimate sacrifice while safeguarding our families, our communities and our liberty".

In the order of service he wrote: "For many of us, the security challenges of today further underscore the importance of the Police and their ongoing commitment to protecting us all, despite the inevitable risks that they face on a daily basis."

Memorial service: A flypast takes place over St Paul's Cathedral 
PA

Among those to be specially remembered was Pc Dave Phillips who was knocked down and killed by a teenage car thief in October last year.

His eight-year-old daughter Abigail lit a candle to remember the 34-year-old who died after he set down a tyre-puncturing stinger device in a bid to stop a stolen vehicle during a police pursuit in Wallasey, Merseyside.

Memorial day: Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, top right, attended the service
EPA

Relatives of other officers killed in the line of duty represented Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as they too lit candles, while prayers were offered by family members including Paul Bone, father of Constable Fiona Bone, who was murdered by one-eyed gangster Dale Cregan four years ago.

Inspector Joe Holness, QPM, founder of National Police Memorial Day, said: "This is a proud day that means so much to the families and friends who have lost loved ones in the line of duty.

"National Police Memorial Day unites the country in national recognition of officers who have given us their all. It is a significant day of remembrance to ensure our fallen officers must not, and will not, be forgotten."

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