HERO police officers and staff from across the UK who have died while protecting the public will be commemorated in a permanent memorial.

It was unveiled on Wednesday (July 28) at the National memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire and honours the courage and sacrifice of all those from across the police service who have dedicated their lives to protecting the public.

The 12-metre-tall brass tribute, within a beautifully 25 metre landscaped area, is being officially unveiled during a special dedication ceremony attended by hundreds of guests including dignitaries, senior politicians, representatives from all police forces across the country, policing charities and the families and friends of officers killed on duty.

The public will be able to view the ceremony live online through the memorial website www.ukpolicememorial.org from midday.

North Wales Police Chief Constable, Carl Foulkes, who will be attending the ceremony, said: “Every single day our officers and staff deal with very difficult and challenging situations and put themselves in harm’s way to uphold the law and protect the public.

“I am extremely proud of the people I work alongside. Our officers, staff and volunteers, who serve and protect the communities of North Wales, are committed to ensuring the region remains one of the safest in the country. On occasions, this means that those charged with public duty choose to place themselves in dangerous situations in order to protect others.

“We are all forever indebted to our colleagues who have put their lives on the line in the course of their duty. They have paid the ultimate sacrifice and this memorial is a fitting tribute to their memory.”

Since 1749 and the establishment of the Bow Street Runners as the country’s first recognised police force, almost 5,000 police officers and staff have died whilst policing our communities, over 1,500 through acts of violence. Leaf-shaped apertures on the memorial give the impression of falling leaves to represent service, sacrifice and lives lost.

The National Memorial Arboretum is the nation’s place of year-round remembrance for all police services. It is home to almost 400 thought provoking memorials, including the National Armed Forces Memorial, and attracts over 300,000 visitors per year.