Essex Police line Sir David's funeral route
The MP has travelled through Southend for the last time
Essex Police officers lined the street to pay their respects to Sir David Amess MP, as he made his final journey through Southend today (22 November).
Officers from the town, including Southend District Commander Chief Inspector Ian Hughes, stood on parade with their heads bowed outside the station on Victoria Avenue, to pay tribute to the Sir David, as his funeral procession made its way past.
They were joined by colleagues from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Southend Borough Council.
The horse-drawn carriage carrying Sir David's coffin, was escorted by motorcycle officers from Essex Police’s Roads Policing Team led it to the funeral at St Mary’s church.
Afterwards, motorcycle officers escorted the carriage on a poignant procession through Southend, passing key landmarks, including the Civic Centre and constituency office.
Sir David was well known amongst officers in Southend and Essex Police say his loss has been "felt by Essex Police right across our force".
Essex Police Chief Constable BJ Harrington and South Local Policing Area Commander Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow, were among those attending the church service.
Chief Constable Harrington said:
“Today has been a hugely sad day for Sir David’s family, all those who knew and loved him, the people of Southend and Essex. My thoughts and prayers and those of all of us in Essex Police remain with them.”
“It has been a privilege for Essex Police to support the funeral today and to escort Sir David – a devoted public servant - on his final journey through his beloved Southend.
“We continue to stand united with his family, the community and policing colleagues in both sadness and our determination for justice.”
Chief Supt Anslow added:
“After 40-years of tirelessly serving the people of Southend, today the people of Southend have turned out to show their gratitude to Sir David.
“It has been a truly sad day, but the legacy of Sir David will live on in in the pride of our community in what will be the county’s new city.”
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