Town honours first police officer killed on duty

Insp Donaldson's descendants also paid their respects

The 170th anniversary of the first Surrey police officer to be killed in the line of duty has been marked.

Inspector William Donaldson was enforcing pub closing times in Haslemere on 29 July 1855 when clashes with rail workers celebrating payday broke out.

After one worker was arrested, a group of 30 marched to the town lockup to demand his release.

When Insp Donaldson refused, he was hit over the head with an iron bar by Thomas Woods and kicked and stamped on by other attackers.

The police inspector was beaten by a mob, said Surrey Police

He was taken home and when he saw his wife Janet at the door, he said: "My dear wife, I am dying."

Insp Donaldson died at 03:00 BST on 30 July 1855 due to a skull fracture. He was 47.

His great-great-grandson Henry Pelham, 83, added: "He makes me feel so proud, it still brings a lump to my throat."

'Hero of Haslemere'

Deputy police and crime commissioner for Surrey, Ellie Vesey-Thompson, joined serving and retired police officers, councillors and residents to commemorate Insp Donaldson at a memorial service in the town on Sunday.

"He is, rightly, remembered now as the Haslemere Hero for his dedication to keeping the town safe, for which he made the ultimate sacrifice," she said.

"Remembering William and the bravery shown by him and his colleagues that night brings a stark reminder of the threats our officers still face to this day."

Ms Vesey-Thompson said 26 other Surrey officers had died in the line of duty since Insp Donaldson was killed.