Service to honour PC murdered on duty 20 years ago

PC Sharon Beshenivsky was shot dead as she arrived at the scene of a robbery in Bradford in 2005

A memorial service has been held in honour of a police officer murdered while on duty 20 years ago.

PC Sharon Beshenivsky was killed on her daughter's fourth birthday while interrupting a robbery at the Universal Express travel agents in Bradford on 18 November 2005.

Seven men, including the gang's ringleader Piran Ditta Khan, who died in prison this year, have been convicted in connection with her death.

PC Beshenivsky's family, as well as PC Teresa Milburn, who was left seriously injured during the same incident, were joined by serving and retired police colleagues at the service at Bradford Cathedral on Tuesday.

West Yorkshire Police said about 250 people attended the service at the cathedral - the same venue where her funeral was held two decades ago.

Chief Constable John Robins was present along with the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Ed Anderson and Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin.

Former colleagues of PC Beshenivsky's paid tribute to her through readings, poems, and the lighting of a candle

A guard of honour made up of serving and former colleagues lined the entrance of the cathedral, along with mounted and ceremonial officers.

Mr Robins said PC Beshenivsky and PC Milburn showed "immense courage and bravery that day".

"Last night was a poignant service to keep Sharon's memory alive on this significant anniversary," he said.

"We remain committed to supporting Sharon's family and remembering the ultimate sacrifice she made."

Serving and former colleagues lined the entrance of Bradford Cathedral for the service

He added: "Sharon's death still reminds us of the risk that police officers and staff face every day as they work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

"We will always remember Sharon and what she did to keep our communities safe - she will never be forgotten."

The force said donations from the service went to the Care of Police Survivors charity, which supports families of police officers and staff who have lost their lives while on duty.

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