Honour for PC killed 25 years ago (From The Bolton News)

Honour for PC killed 25 years ago

A MEMORIAL service marking the 25th anniversary of the murder of a young policeman will be held next month.

Family, friends and colleagues of PC John Egerton will gather for a ceremony during which a conference suite, at Bolton Police's new headquarters, will be named in his honour.

PC Egerton was viciously attacked in a factory yard in Farnworth on March 11, 1982, as he tried to arrest a man he caught stealing petrol.

The 20-year-old, originally from Farnworth, was stabbed at least four times, once through the heart.

A plaque will be unveiled at Scholey Street police station, Burnden, during a service on March 9 at 11am, which will be attended by PC Egerton's mother, Joan.

The head of Bolton Police, Chief Supt Dave Lea, said: "The tragic death of PC Egerton remains a vivid reminder of the dangers that officers face.

"We felt that it was important to mark the date with a permanent tribute and the opening of the new police station has given us the opportunity to name part of the building in his memory.

"I'm sure that there will be a lot of his friends and former colleagues as well as his family who come to remember him."

PC Egerton was killed when he was called to the Dynamics Plastic works to help PC David O'Brien who had seen a man climbing over the factory gate.

Minutes later, PC O'Brien stumbled across the body of his colleague and close friend.

PC Egerton's killer, Arthur Edge, was jailed for life and released in 2000 after serving 18 years behind bars.