Wakefield memorial for five police officers killed in coach crash

The Newton Hill roundabout in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, where five officers died in a coach crash

A memorial to remember five police officers killed in a coach crash is to be created, a council has confirmed.

PC David Bulleyment, PC Eric Renshaw, PC Colin Ross, WPC Lillian Sullivan and WPS Elizabeth Burton all died when their vehicle overturned at Newton Hill roundabout in Wakefield in May 1978.

The officers had been travelling to a conference in Blackpool. Another 23 passengers were injured.

Wakefield Council said it was consulting with the Police Federation.

How the Wakefield Express reported the 1978 tragedy

An inquest into the officers' deaths heard the coach's brakes had failed.

The A650, including the roundabout, has recently undergone a £9.7m redevelopment. Officials said the memorial would form part of the next phase of work.

Ward councillor David Pickersgill welcomed the move but added: "It is unfortunate it has taken us this long to do a proper memorial to the police coach crash."

Speaking in 2019, PC Bulleyment's son, who was four when his father died, said: "I think the idea is long overdue to be honest. I've seen various police forces up and down the the UK all pay tribute to the officers they've lost, and I think West Yorkshire should too.

"I think since 1978, something has been lacking, even if there was just a small plaque there it would have been nice. It's a great shame really."

The council said it was also consulting with local residents about the memorial.