Widow 'moved' by honour for PC killed off-duty

Neil Doyle was attacked off-duty after two men recognised he was police officer

The widow of a police officer who was killed while off-duty on a Christmas night out said she is "hugely proud" to receive a new award honouring him.

Merseyside PC Neil Doyle had been attacked by two men who recognised him as an officer while out in Liverpool on 19 December 2014.

His wife, Sarah Doyle, is among the first recipients of the Elizabeth Emblem, a new award for emergency service workers who die in the line of duty.

She said receiving the honour on behalf of her husband was "overwhelming".

The death of PC Doyle sent "shockwaves" throughout the force and the local community, Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said.

Two men were jailed for manslaughter for the "joint and repeated attack" on the police officer, who was 36.

The emblem, named after the late Queen, was announced earlier this year.

The awards have been given to the next-of-kin of public servants killed in the line of duty.

Ms Doyle, who is due to collect the award from King Charles later this year, said she was "thrilled" her husband was among the first to be recognised.

“On 19 December it will be 10 years since we lost Neil, so it is particularly fitting and moving for me that I will be presented with the emblem near the time of his anniversary," she said.

“It’s really important for the families to see their loved ones recognised in this way."

Ms Kennedy said the officer had been a "hugely respected and well-loved colleague" who was "very much remembered and missed by the force".

She paid tribute to Mrs Doyle as an "incredible force for good in the face of the tragedy" after she helped establish the Doyle Phillips Foundation.

The charity was set up to support the families of officers and staff who had died, as a legacy to both PC Doyle and PC Dave Phillips, who was killed in 2015 while trying to stop a stolen vehicle.

"The selflessness and compassion she has shown is a real testament to Sarah’s spirit and a fitting tribute to Neil," Ms Kennedy said.