Time to honour hero cops injured in the line of duty

THE FAMILIES of Britain's fallen police officers have backed a fresh push to honour all those suffering devastating injuries in the line of duty.

- By John Siddle

Any killed while protecting the public receive the newly introduced Elizabeth Emblem but there is still no official recognition for the brave officers who survive - often with life-changing wounds.

Now a powerful campaign led by former Sussex officer Tom Curry, 74, has demanded justice for these forgotten heroes.

His fight has won the backing of the loved ones of officers in some of Britain's most notorious police tragedies - involving PCs Fiona Bone, David Rathba nd and Sharon Beshenivsky as well as the support of 103 cross-party MPs.

Paul Bone, whose 32-year-old daughter was one of two Greater Manchester officers murdered by Dale Cregan in a gun and grenade ambush in 2012, pleaded with the Government to honour all seriously injured officers.

"Sadly, in a given year a number of officers die in the line of duty," he said.

"Their loved ones are awarded the Elizabeth Emblem, yet a far greater number are injured in the line of duty.

"In many cases the injuries are so serious those officers are forced to retire on medical grounds.

"In too many cases, the family and friends of the officer will endure the heartbreak of not knowing whether their loved one will survive or not.