Murdered Pc's widow in TV appeal 25 years after killing

The police officer's family said they were speaking out collectively for the first time as

they realised it might be their last opportunity to get a conviction.

Father-of-three Pc Blakelock was murdered by a machete-wielding gang in clashes with police during the Broadwater Farm riots in Tottenham, north London, in October 1985.

Speaking on BBC's Crimewatch in what the corporation billed as her first TV interview, his wife, Elizabeth, said: "I know it was the uniform that they were attacking that night, but there was a father and a husband inside that uniform and they killed him.

"He didn't stand a chance. He was armed with just a small truncheon and a shield. He was a home beat officer; he wasn't a riot officer.

"But he was called on to do a duty and he did it and he gave the ultimate sacrifice for doing that."

In a direct appeal to the public, she added: "If there is anybody out there who knows what happened, and I am sure there are people out there, for whatever reason you haven't come forward before please think now."

The couple's sons, Mark, Kevin and Lee, were 13, 11 and eight when their father was killed.

Mark said: "The reason as a family we have decided to speak for the first time collectively is because we realise that this is probably our last opportunity to get what we want, which is a conviction for what happened to dad. People might think that over time that might lessen but actually it becomes more frustrating as a family, especially when you see cases today which get solved very quickly."

A total of 10 people have been arrested this year in connection with the murder.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said one suspect was arrested in March, two in May, three in June, two in July and two in September. All have been released on police bail.

The arrests include a 41-year-old man, originally from the Tottenham area, who was detained on suspicion of murder.

Two other men, aged 46 and 52, were also arrested on suspicion of murder at separate north London addresses. All three are due to report back to police in November.