Sergeant Michael Hawcroft who died on duty 39 years ago today

Sergeant Michael Hawcroft from West Yorkshire Police was stabbed to death after he spotted two youths trying to steal a car in Low Moor, Bradford.

In April 1983 Sgt Hawcroft was posthumously awarded the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct and Insp Newsham received a medal for gallantry.

A memorial to Sgt Hawcroft now stands in Norfolk Gardens, next to two more former West Yorkshire police officers.

In a tribute to the officer, Brian Booth, chair of West Yorkshire Police Federation, told the T&A: "The murder of a colleague sends a shockwave throughout the Policing Family, not just in West Yorkshire, but around the world.

"39 years ago Michael was taken from us whilst serving the people of Bradford.  We will be attending Michael’s memorial stone today to lay a wreath in remembrance of his ultimate sacrifice."

West Yorkshire Police said: "Today we remember PS Michael Hawcroft who sadly lost his life, on this day, in 1981."

While COPSUK said: "Remembering Sergeant Michael Hawcroft, of West Yorkshire Metropolitan Police, who died on duty on this day in 1981."

On March 12, 1981, the 31-year-old officer was stabbed a number of times when he tried to arrest one of the youths and died a few minutes later.

His colleague, Inspector Newsham was able to arrest the youth but also received a number of stab wounds to his arms.

Seventeen-year-old John Long, of Wyke, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court in October 1981 to be detained at her majesty's pleasure after he was convicted of Sgt Hawcroft's murder and wounding Insp Newsham.

Sgt Hawcroft left behind a widow Alison and a son, Andrew.