Police officers killed in the line of duty could soon be granted posthumous bravery medals by the UK Government.
A Sunday Mail campaign to give them awards has been backed by the influential Police Superintendents’ Association (PSA) of England and Wales.
The families of Constable George Taylor – killed trying to stop an escapee at the State Hospital in Carstairs in 1976 – and Detective Sergeant Ross Hunt, who was murdered while trying to arrest a suspect in 1983, were refused awards last year because of a five-year time bar.
But Chief Superintendent Paul Griffiths, president of the PSA, said he is having discussions with the Home Office to overturn that decision and to have awards presented to the families by the Queen.
The police chief said: “It’s really important to recognise police officers who are killed in the execution of their duties. We have been told by the Home Secretary that they will look into this.
“I have also been invited to sit on an honours and awards committee in the Home Office to discuss it.
“They do seem to be warming to the idea of an emergency services medal that would go to the immediate family of anyone who dies in the execution of their duty.
"I have also met with the Police Federation of England and Wales and we plan to push this proposal further.”
Griffiths also believes the new award should be retrospective and for any death on duty since 1945.
He added: “I think the families would appreciate that service being recognised by the monarch. The Cabinet Office are doing a five-yearly review of all honours and awards this year so we are optimistic.”
George Barnsley, of the Lanarkshire Police Historical Society, which is supporting the Taylor and Hunt families, welcomed the backing
from south of the Border.
He said: “This is what we have been looking for. It’s important that the sacrifice of all officers past and present who die in the line of duty is finally recognised.”
Earlier this month 28 MSPs supported a motion by Tory MSP Graham Simpson calling for the UK Government to bring in the new bravery award.
He’ll continue to lobby Downing Street to do a U-turn on their previous decision not to give bravery medals retrospectively.
The families say both men are entitled to a variety of honours, including the George Medal and Queen’s Gallantry Medal.
PC Taylor was murdered in 1976 by Robert Mone and Thomas McCulloch, who had escaped from the State Hospital in Carstairs having killed a member of staff and a patient.
DS Hunt was murdered after he tried to arrest 16-year-old stabbing suspect Hugh Murray.
There have also been calls to reward the bravery of Inspector Robert Johnston, who was killed in Glasgow 100 years ago.
The 42-year-old was transporting IRA commander Frank Carty to prison but the van was surrounded by gunmen in an attempt to free him, which led to Robert being shot dead.
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