West Mercia Police officers in charity ride for fallen colleagues

More than 30 West Mercia Police officers and staff have cycled almost 200 miles in remembrance of colleagues who have died on duty.

The riders, who set off on Friday, finished at the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas in Staffordshire for an annual service of remembrance.

Relatives of fallen officers also attended on Sunday along with chief constables from across the UK.

Money raised from the ride will go towards supporting victims' families.

The cyclists passed through Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire.

West Mercia Deputy Chief Constable Amanda Blakeman said she was riding with Sgt Laura Douglas to remember colleague PC Richard Gray who was shot in May 2007, attempting to arrest a gunman holding two fellow officers hostage.

"I want to ensure that Ricky's bravery is never forgotten whilst also ensuring the Cops charity [Care Of Police Survivors] has the funds to carry on with the support they give to the families who are left to cope with the devastation of losing a loved one.

"Laura and I are proud to be part of the West Mercia team, and raising money for this charity is so important."

An appeal was launched in May for public donations towards a national memorial at the arboretum to police officers killed in the line of duty, in light of PC Keith Palmer's murder outside the Houses of Parliament in March.

The UK Police Memorial Trust appealed for £1.5m towards its construction.