WILTSHIRE Police officers have returned from a 185-mile cycle in honour of fallen comrades.

A team of officers and staff from the county force took part in this year’s Police Unity Tour.

They were seen off from Devizes Police Headquarters on the morning of Friday, July 28, by Chief Constable Catherine Roper and a team of supporters.

The cyclists made their way, over three days, to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire – arriving on Sunday (July 30), where a special commemoration ceremony was held attended by officers and staff from police forces across the UK.

The effort raised money for the COPS – Care of Police Survivors – charity.

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Mills, who led the Wiltshire Chapter this year, said: “I feel privileged again to have been able to take part in another unity tour and to have led this one.

“I want to thank everyone from this year’s Wiltshire Police contingent for taking part and for playing their bit in honouring the memory of all those officers, in particular the 30 Wiltshire officers that have lost their lives since 1839 when Wiltshire Constabulary formed, to this current day.

“Now, more than ever, it is important for all police officers and staff, as well as the wider public, to acknowledge the ever-present dangers and risks of modern-day policing and pay tribute to those who have lost their lives while protecting our communities.

“Also – for those injured in the line of duty – the amount of money raised for the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) charity, is truly phenomenal.

“As the tour is in its tenth year, I am proud to say that cumulatively, over the 10 previous tours, more than £100,000 has been raised for COPS which is incredible.”