Blackpool police drowning deaths remembered on 40th anniversary

A memorial service is marking 40 years since three police officers died in the sea off Blackpool

A service honouring the heroism of three Blackpool police officers killed in an attempted sea rescue 40 years ago has been held in the resort.

PCs Angela Bradley, 23, Gordon Connolly, 24, and Colin Morrison, 38, drowned trying to save a holidaymaker who entered the sea to rescue his dog.

Phil Goodison, who was a duty sergeant, said they "should never be forgotten".

Former PC Pat Abram, who also went in to help and was rescued, said he would "ensure the memories all go on".

PC Pat Abram was reunited with Dr John Frankland who he says "I owe my life to"

Dozens of people, including families of the officers and the doctor who resuscitated PC Abram, were at the service led by Lancashire Police's Chief Constable Chris Rowley which was held in Jubilee Gardens in Gynn Square, close to where the officers went into the sea.

The officers had gone into the sea to save Alistair Anthony, 25, from Glasgow, who went into the water to rescue his Jack Russell dog and was overcome by the strong tide and crashing waves.

'Immeasurable loss'

PC Abram was rescued by colleagues who were able to throw a rope around his neck, before he was given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation by Dr John Frankland who happened to be passing by the scene.

Speaking about the tragedy for the first time in almost 40 years, he said his colleagues and Mr Anthony were never far from his thoughts and he regularly visited the scene.

"I've never forgotten it," he told BBC North West Tonight.

"I walk past here most days and spend a moment of reflection and just remember."

He also paid tribute to the doctor who saved him.

"I'm here today because of this gentleman," he said.

"I owe my life to him."

Dr Frankland recalled the horror of the incident.

"We did a bit of good [but] there was a lot we couldn't do and that was a terrible feeling," he said.

Dozens of people were at the service to mark the anniversary

Mr Rowley described the deaths of the three "brave officers" as tragic, adding: "It is a sad day for the organisation."

He said it was "really important" for the force and for the families "that we demonstrate our respect for those who have given their lives for others".

Mr Goodison told BBC Radio Lancashire: "This was a tragedy which unfolded within minutes in terrible weather.

"The sense of loss on that day - and every day since - has been immeasurable.

"This is a day that is remembered in my heart, and I'm sure in the hearts of every officer that was on duty that day and connected with this incident."

"It will never, never go away and we should never let it be forgotten," Mr Goodison, who is now chair of the Blackpool and District branch of National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO), added.

A new plaque was unveiled at the service

A new plaque was unveiled at the memorial as the original one has eroded over the years.

It is close to a statue known as the Blue Light memorial which honours emergency service staff who have died on duty.

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