First Kent Police officer killed on duty honoured

Israel May died on 24 August 1873 after being beaten with his own truncheon

Relatives of the first Kent Police officer to be killed on duty more than 150 years ago have attended a rededication of his grave.

Israel May died on 24 August 1873 after being beaten with his own truncheon in Snodland.

Tommy Atkins, a well-known adversary of PC May's, was sentenced to 20 years for killing him.

Richard Weeks, PC May's great-great-great-nephew, was the guest of honour at the ceremony at the All-Saints Church in Snodland.

"It's always a good idea to remember the past – both the sad and the triumphant," he told the BBC.

"He was the first of many police officers who have given their lives in the course of duty."

The grave has been restored through funding from the Kent Police Benevolent Fund.

Pam Mills, a volunteer at the Kent Police Museum and police historian, said that she sought funds from the force after noticing PC May's grave had become "really dirty and unkempt".

She said the grave now looked "absolutely beautiful".

"It's completely humbling to see people come out today to pay their respects," she added.