Special constable returns to New York for anniversary

Simon Cocklin, who had visited the World Trade Centre as a tourist months before the attacks, has attended the annual memorial services on behalf of the force for the last three years, but said next month’s would be especially poignant because of the anniversary.

He said: “It’s a lot more important this time. There’s going to be a high police presence and a lot more families and relatives. It’s something I’m very passionate about it; I think I’ve cried on occasion when I’ve been marching through the streets.”

Mr Cocklin, who funds the trips himself, has got to know colleagues from other forces across the world and many relatives of the 65 British victims.

He said: “For the past four years I have been going to New York for the 9/11 World Trade Centre Memorial Service, and the British Memorial Gardens in which I represent some of the British workers who died there.

“The title I have on this day is called the Guard of Honour; where British police officers and myself guard the inside of the British Memorial Grounds. I also get to meet some of the victims families involved and some of these people have grown to become good friends. I am joined by around 15 other officers from various police forces in England.”

He added: “After the world watched in horror as the world trade centres fell to the ground, killing over 2,500 people, I knew I wanted to do something.

“This will be my fourth year of attendance and on the 11th September I will attend services at various locations in New York, including Ground Zero, British Memorial Gardens and Fairlawn. At these services I have been given the proud title as guard of honour, representing one or more of the British civilians killed. I am very proud of being given this honour and I feel very humble being able to pay my respects in this way.”