30th anniversary of tragic loss of two detectives

19 August 2024

Today marks the 30^th anniversary of the death of two Derbyshire detectives who died in a road accident while on duty.

DCs Anthony Thornley, 31, and Gary Freeman, 36, died when the car they were travelling in was in collision with a lorry as they travelled between Marehay and Denby Pottery on 19 August 1994.

Keith Chambers, chair of Derbyshire Police Federation, has paid tribute to the two officers.

“Today we remember Anthony and Gary and the service they gave to the Force and the communities of Derbyshire,” says Keith.

“But we also remember their families, their friends and their former colleagues as they mark this tragic anniversary.

“The loss of any officer is felt by the policing family but losing two officers in this incident would have hit the Force hard too.

“We keep Anthony and Gary in our thoughts today and continue to remember all those officers who have lost their lives in the course of their duties.”