Chair James Dimmack joined the Home Secretary and police chiefs, families, friends and former colleagues of the fallen in Belfast to pay tribute to officers’ commitment, courage and sacrifice on Sunday 25 September.

James said: “We are here to remember all of our fallen colleagues and to show solidarity across all of the forces of England and Wales, and make sure we never forget what an important job we do and how we all face that ultimate sacrifice, we just don’t know it.

“The service gives us all time to think about the sacrifice that people make. And gives that solemn moment and remember our fallen colleagues and what we do. It puts it all into perspective.

“We all go out to work in the morning expecting to come home, and sadly some people don’t. We normalise the abnormal, in our job. We have to recognise that we do a dangerous and difficult job, and we do it happily and we do it bravely and proudly.

“But there is that reality, so we always have to be mindful of that. That’s why it’s so important we remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.”

James joined the Home Secretary and police chiefs, families, friends and former colleagues of the fallen 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.