Fallen colleagues remembered at National Police Memorial Day

National Police Memorial Day provides a chance for reflection and remembrance of those officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Civil Nuclear Police Federation Chief Executive Gary Thwaite attended this year's service in Belfast on 25 September along with 2,000 members of the police family.

Gary said: "This event provides a chance for reflection and remembrance for the officers and the families, for those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service and duty. It is vitally important that we remember and pay our respects today.

"I have first hand experience of what it means to the families that have been affected, and to the partners of those lost on duty, and I know how much it means to them. It's the whole police family coming together and supporting each other and it's vitally important we remember that."

Gary joined the Home Secretary and police chiefs, families, friends and former colleagues of the fallen at Waterfront Hall to pay tribute to officers' commitment, courage and sacrifice.

Members of the Royal family, who would normally attend, were absent as they are still in mourning for HM Queen Elizabeth II.

The names of officers who lost their lives over the past year were read out at the event by Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation of Northern Ireland. They are: PC Daniel Golding, of the Met; PC Craig Higgins, of Greater Manchester Police; PC Alex Prentice, of Northamptonshire Police, and PC Darryl Street, of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who gave a reading during the service, said: "To all the officers who lost their lives while working to keep us safe, we thank you and we honour you.

"Their bravery and commitment to their duty was unfaltering - society owes them and their loved ones a debt we cannot repay, but it is one we will not forget.

"As Home Secretary I make a promise to give police the powers and tools they need to do their jobs safely." During the service, candles were lit by relatives in remembrance of officers throughout the country who have lost their lives - one from each of the four nations of the UK.

Representing Northern Ireland was Stephen Wylie-Young, son of Constable William Raymond Wylie QPM. Stephen was just six months old when his father was murdered.

Representing Wales was Sgt Lowri Davies, daughter of PC Terence John Davies, of Gwent Police.

Representing Scotland was George Barnsley, friend and colleague of DS William Ross Hunt, of Strathclyde Police.

And representing England was Kathryn Dumphreys, widow of PC Nick Dumphreys, of Cumbria Police.

There was silence as petals of remembrance, representing all who have lost their lives, descended from the gallery as the Last Post was sounded.