PC Nick Dumphreys’ wife Kathryn lit a candle on behalf of her husband at the event in Belfast on Sunday 25 September.

Paul Williams, Chair of Cumbria Police Federation, said: “The event is especially important for us this year. Back in 2020, on 26 January, we lost a dear friend and colleague of ours, Nick Dumphreys. And this year we’ve got the honour of bringing his lovely wife, Kathryn, to the event.

“The day is poignant for everyone, but we’ve just been through the inquest, so it is really important that we honour Nick.

“Obviously Kathryn had the chance to come last year, and she was still incredibly emotional. That still stands this year but now things are dealt with, the information’s out there, then she feels it would be really good for Nick to come and honour him today, and it feels right to do that.”

Paul said the event had been a powerful day, and an emotional time supporting Kathryn over the previous two years.

He added: “As well as that, remembering all the other fallen police officers, makes it especially emotional this year.”

Paul and Secretary Jamie McTear joined Kathryn and colleagues and family members from across the country at Waterfront Hall to pay tribute to officers’ commitment, courage and sacrifice.

Members of the Royal family, who would normally attend, were absent as they are still in mourning for HM Queen Elizabeth II.

The names of officers who lost their lives over the past year were read out at the event by Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation of Northern Ireland. They are: PC Daniel Golding, of the Met; PC Craig Higgins, of Greater Manchester Police; PC Alex Prentice, of Northamptonshire Police, and PC Darryl Street, of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who gave a reading during the service, said: “To all the officers who lost their lives while working to keep us safe, we thank you and we honour you.

“Their bravery and commitment to their duty was unfaltering – society owes them and their loved ones a debt we cannot repay, but it is one we will not forget.

“As Home Secretary I make a promise to give police the powers and tools they need to do their jobs safely.”

During the service, candles were lit by relatives in remembrance of officers throughout the country who have lost their lives – one from each of the four nations of the UK.

Representing Northern Ireland was Stephen Wylie-Young, son of Constable William Raymond Wylie QPM. Stephen was just six months old when his father was murdered.

Representing Wales was Sgt Lowri Davies, daughter of PC Terence John Davies, of Gwent Police.

Representing Scotland was George Barnsley, friend and colleague of DS William Ross Hunt, of Strathclyde Police.

And representing England was Kathryn Dumphreys, widow of PC Nick Dumphreys, of Cumbria Police.

There was silence as petals of remembrance, representing all who have lost their lives, descended from the gallery as the Last Post was sounded.Representing Scotland was George Barnsley, friend and colleague of DS William Ross Hunt, of Strathclyde Police.

There was silence as petals of remembrance, representing all who have lost their lives, descended from the gallery as the Last Post was sounded.