A candle was lit on Boxing Day for a police officer who was shot and killed by a US Marine in Leeds 19 years ago.
Police Constable Ian Broadhurst, 34, from Birkenshaw, was shot twice while helping to arrest a man on Dib Lane, in Leeds, on Boxing Day, 2003. Former US Marine and bodybuilder David Bieber was jailed for life for the killing and wounding of other officers.
Bieber, who was wanted in the United States for the execution of love rival Marcus Mueller in Fort Myers in February 1995, and the attempted murder of ex-girlfriend Michelle Stanforth six months later, shot PC Ian Broadhurst in the head and the abdomen, killing him.
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He also shot PC Neil Roper, injuring him, and PC James Banks. PC Banks narrowly escaped death and injury after the bullet ricocheted off his radio. Beiber was arrested in Gateshead on December 31, 2003, and was later given three life sentences. A memorial to PC Broadhurst was unveiled at the scene of the shooting in 2008.
West Yorkshire Police lit a candle in honour of PC Broadhurst who lost his life, saying he will always be remembered. A spokesperson for the force said: "A candle has been lit at Police HQ in memory of PC Ian Broadhurst who was killed on this day in 2003. We Will Remember."
The West Yorkshire Police Federation also tweeted a tribute. A spokesperson for the federation said: "Remembering PC Ian Broadhurst, of West Yorkshire Police. PC Broadhurst was shot and killed on Boxing Day 2003 as he tried to make an arrest in Leeds. We will never forget him. #LestWeForget."
That post by the police led to an outpouring of tributes from people who knew PC Broadhurst, as well as those who witnessed and remember the tragic murder. On Facebook, Jules Hanson said: "RIP Ian miss you every day you were the best brother in law ever happy Heavenly Christmas love you lots xxx."
Zoe Hardwick-Rhodes wrote: "I remember the day I first met you … I remember the day you were sadly killed. I remember your funeral , a beautiful service.. I look over at your remembrance park in Birkenshaw every day. You are not forgotten."
Trevor Rhodes said: "RIP Ian and condolences to his family, who remember him not just today, but EVERY day. The law needs to protect our protectors in all the emergency services and all their killers should face the mandatory death sentence. That should be the minimum starting point on the way to all murderers facing the same sentence. Then the emergency services and everyone can begin to feel safer on our streets."
Margaret Farr said: "Remember this so well we had only passed by 10 mins before going to pick our son up R.I.P condolences to his family." Shona Jones said: "Will never forget this day. Thinking of his family and work family."
Janet Cove wrote: "I Remember this day so clearly. Thinking of his loved ones. So sorry for your loss. Thank you for your service".
Diane Johnson said: "RIP PC Ian Broadhurst. God bless, Remember the day it happened" and Angela Spencer said: "RIP PC Ian Broadhurst. Remember it happening like it was yesterday."
Trish Jane Roper wrote: "Remembering Ian - You will never be forgotten. Thinking of Eilisa & family. Neil, Trish, Katie & Luke." Anne Rose said: "RIP PC Ian Broadhurst."
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