A MEMORIAL has been unveiled to the first North Yorkshire Police officer to be murdered on duty.

PC Norman Garnham was 25 when he was killed in 1977 as he tried to detain 18-year-old hitch hiker Colin Simpson over an assault.

PC Garnham served in Richmond, and the memorial was set up there by Selby-based Sergeant Amy Hunter, who shares PC Garnham's collar number.

Sgt Hunter said: "I found out from a colleague that we both share the same collar number. At the time I felt saddened that I didn’t even know about Norman, and wanted to make sure that everyone would remember his name, his service and the sacrifice he made for generations to come."

The stone was unveiled last week by chair of the Police Memorial Trust, Geraldine Winner, along with Assistant Chief Constable Phil Cain.

ACC Cain said: "We’re very pleased that there is now a fitting memorial to Norman in recognition of his selfless act on that fateful night in March 1977. Norman was murdered following an initial act of kindness that sadly led to his untimely death. We must never forget the sacrifice that he made and that such tragic events can happen anywhere, and sadly still do."