Dedication to duty remembered as memorials to fallen Bradford police officers brought together

The memorials of former Bradford Chief Constable Harry Ambler, Sergeant Michael Hawcroft and PC Sharon Beshenivsky have been brought together in one location and yesterday Norfolk Gardens, in the city, hosted the triple memorial.

Mr Ambler was the last Chief Constable of the Bradford City Police, from 1957 until 1973.

Sir Norman Bettison, West Yorkshire Police, Chief Constable said: “Harry Ambler was the last in a line of Chief Constables who had a local, and life times, responsibility for policing in Bradford. Michael Hawcroft and Sharon Beshenivsky are the precious son and daughter of Bradford who each gave the ultimate sacrifice in keeping Bradfordians safe.

“I welcome the decision of city leaders to bring these three memorials together in a site which will be seen by those who live and work in Bradford, and for those who visit the city, who might remember through these three individuals, the extraordinary job that is done by extraordinary people day in day out.”

Alan Pickles, a member of the Bradford Branch of the National Association of Retired Police Officers (Narpo), said: “About three years ago Narpo arranged for a new stone to be cut to Mr Ambler, replacing the original stone which had been damaged, and to position the memorials of Bradford’s fallen colleagues alongside it.

“The original memorials to Sergeant Hawcroft and Constable Beshenivsky have therefore been relocated from Centenary Square.

“Last year was the 30th anniversary of Sergeant Hawcroft’s death on duty, after he was murdered whilst attempting to arrest two youths who were stealing a motor car.”

He said the rededication event acknowledged Sgt Hawcroft’s service and that of Pc Beshenivsky who also lost her life whilst on duty, attending an armed robbery.