A CAMPAIGN has been launched to raise funds to build a new memorial to remember police officers who give their lives in the line of duty.

Greater Manchester Police is joining forces around the country in appealing to the public to back the plans for a new UK Police Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

The launch of the campaign comes eight weeks on from the murder of PC Keith Palmer in the Westminster terrorist attack.

The memorial will see a physical memorial established in a beautiful landscaped garden inscribed with the names of more than 1,400 police officers and staff who have died from injuries they sustained whilst carrying out their duties.

It will also be the first memorial in the world to merge a digital and physical presence, telling the story of policing and those behind the badge who have paid with their lives.

A programme will be developed for schools and colleges to inform pupils and students about the history of the police service and the part it plays in today's society.

The aim of the memorial is to foster a greater understanding and reconnection with the public and to bring back a sense of pride and value once more in UK policing.

The names of officers and staff who are killed in the future can be added to the memorial so they can be remembered.

A living memorial fund will be established to support the families of officers and staff killed on duty in the future.

GMP Chief Constable, Ian Hopkins, said: “It’s only right and fitting that we show our support for such an important memorial. Policing protects the freedoms of the country and in doing this there are times when officers lose their lives.

“Officers across the country, including those in Greater Manchester, go out every day not knowing what situation they will face but remaining committed to protecting the communities that they serve. This shows immense bravery. It’s so important that we pay tribute to those officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and that we give their loved ones somewhere to remember and pay their respects to them.”

Anyone making a donation of more than £20 will receive a black and white Sillitoe wristband inscribed with the words ‘courage and sacrifice’.

Home Secretary, Amber Rudd said: "Every day, our police officers and staff go out to work not knowing what they might face, but do so with the utmost professionalism and bravery. We all owe them a huge debt of gratitude.

“That bravery was plain for everyone to see in the phenomenal response of the police to the shocking events in Westminster back in March, as a result of which PC Keith Palmer tragically lost his life.

“It is entirely fitting that those officers and staff who give their lives in the line of duty should be remembered with a lasting tribute. The Government has already committed £1m towards the UK Police Memorial and I hope the public also take this campaign to their hearts and recognise the importance of establishing a permanent place of remembrance.”

Further information about the memorial, how to make a donation or take part in fundraising activity can be found at the UK Police Memorial website www.ukpolicememorial.org.