FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday addressed a dedicated service for police officers who died or were killed on duty.

About 1500 officers, relatives and officials gathered for the National Police Memorial Day (NPMD) service in Glasgow.

The Duke of Rothesay and Home Secretary Priti Patel were also in attendance at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, where prayers were led and candles lit for fallen UK police personnel.

Chief Inspector Andrea MacDonald, chairwoman of the Scottish Police Federation, said: “While this is a sombre event, I believe that it brings comfort to the families to know that they are part of the wider police family and that the sacrifice and bravery of their loved ones has not and will never be forgotten.”

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Sturgeon spoke at the service and there were readings by Patel and Scottish Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf.

Towards the end of the ceremony, blue and green petals representing all officers who died on duty fell from the gallery.

In a message in the order of service, Charles wrote: “In these difficult times, violent crime presents a significant threat not only to the safety of police officers and our communities, but also to the very fabric of our society.

“I particularly wish to remember the officers who have so tragically lost their lives in the line of duty since last year’s ceremony in Belfast, and to offer my deepest sympathy to their loved ones, together with profound gratitude for their service.”

Samantha Dixon from Thatcham, Berkshire, attended the service with her 18-month-old son Parker after losing her husband James in a motorcycle accident in 2017 when she was seven months pregnant.

Dixon, 36, said she wanted her song to “have memories of how we recognised not only his dad but other officers as well”, adding: “The ironic thing is he [James] would have loved all of this, because he was so proud to be a police officer and all it represented.

“He was full of fun, full of life, he lived life and so I want to do that for him, and I also want Parker to know that no matter what sadness hits your life, you can still make something of it and come out the other end fighting.”

More than 4400 officers have died on duty since modern policing began.

Last month PC Andrew Harper, 28, was killed near the village of Sulhamstead in Berkshire when he was dragged under a van while responding to reports of a burglary.