A POIGNANT memorial service was held in Coventry to honour those who have served as police officers across the country.
Dozens of current and former police officers came together in the city centre as West Midlands Police (WMP) hosted the National Police Memorial Day service.
A procession walked from Coventry Central Police Station towards Broadgate and back to Coventry Cathedral.
The service was attended by representatives from police forces throughout the country.
A procession carrying the WMP standard, as well as force standards from the country’s other police forces, walked from Coventry Central Police Station in Little Park Street, down towards Broadgate and back to Coventry Cathedral.
There, a special memorial service was held to remember those who have served and lost their lives in the line of duty.
The service was especially poignant given the tragic loss of an officer while on duty in Northamptonshire earlier this week.
A WMP spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with the officer’s family and friends, as well as with our colleagues from Northamptonshire Police.”
Officers from across the West Midlands took part, including dogs, as well as Bruce, the force’s newest police horse.
Bruce has transferred from Gloucestershire Constabulary and is officially the first horse in WMP’s new mounted unit.
He is a seven-year-old Irish Draught Gelding with grey speckled markings and a distinctive white ‘sock’ on his rear right leg.
The spokesperson added: “West Midlands Police is currently training up officers for our new unit.
“This will enhance our ability to respond to major incidents and engage with our communities.”
Bruce, the force’s newest police horse, took part in the parade.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford represented WMP alongside guests from police forces up and down the country and from the government.
Since 2004, the National Police Memorial Day service has been held in different UK cities every year to remember those who have served as police officers throughout history.
The annual service demonstrates to relatives, friends and colleagues of fallen officers that their sacrifice is not forgotten, annually recognising the dedication to duty and courage displayed by police officers.
