Cycle of remembrance

Officers from across the UK converged on the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire last Sunday to remember those who have given their lives in the course of service. More than 800 people gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire last weekend to pay their respects to officers who have died on duty. Denis Gunn, president of the charity Care of Police Survivors (COPS), welcomed the crowds on Sunday (July 30) and read a Roll of Honour naming seven officers who died in the past year. Forces laid wreaths at The Beat memorial and took part in a minute’s silence to remember their fallen colleagues. Before the service, the Blue Knights motorcyclists rode in procession to pay their respects. They were joined by more than 200 officers who had cycled from across the UK to attend the service as part of the UK Police Unity Tour. After setting off on Friday, the cyclists rode for hundreds of miles wearing wristbands commemorating their fellow officers. The furthest distance was covered by officers from Police Scotland, who travelled more than 300 miles from the Police College at Tulliallan. Between them, the cyclists raised more than £100,000 for COPS. (Pictures: Care of Police Survivors)