Vandals set fire to murdered Leeds PC's memorial

A MEMORIAL to a police officer shot dead on duty in Leeds has been damaged by vandals who tried to set it on fire.

The memorial, which stands near to the junction of Dib Lane and Grange Park Avenue in Oakwood, marks the location where unarmed PC Ian Broadhurst was shot by David Bieber on Boxing Day, 2003.

A member of the public reported the damage on Monday evening, which is believed to have occurred overnight between Sunday and Monday.

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The memorial has been 'blackened' following an attempt to set the stone on fire after some form of accelerant has been poured onto it.

Chief Superintendent Richard Jackson, the Divisional Commander for North East Leeds, said: "Police officers go to work every day never knowing what could happen and thankfully few never make the ultimate sacrifice made by Ian Broadhurst.

"The memorial is a way for local people, local officers and Ian's friends and family to mark the terrible events of December 26, 2003 and for someone to deliberately vandalise the memorial is about as despicable as it's possible to get.

"I would ask the local community to come forward with any information they may have on those responsible so we can ensure they are brought to justice."

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PC Broadhurst, 34, and his colleagues PC Neil Roper and PC James Banks were shot by David Bieber after they observed his vehicle was displaying false number plates while parked on Dib Lane.

In December 2004 Bieber was found guilty of PC Broadhurst's murder and two counts of attempted murder against PC Neil Roper and PC James Banks. He was sentenced to three life sentences with a recommendation from Judge Justice Moses that he should never be released.

This was overturned in July 2008 by the High Court who said that Bieber should serve a minimum of 37 years in prison before being considered for parole.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Stainbeck CID via: 0845 60 60 606 or call Crimestoppers anonymously and in confidence on: 0800 555 111.

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