Tributes to officers killed in the line of duty

Hundreds of police officers have gathered to remember their colleagues who have died in the line of duty, across the Midlands.

As part of the build up to the ride Leicestershire Police, with the help of Finders International, traced relatives of fallen officers so they could be invited to the memorial service today (30 July) to give them the special wrist band as a mark of respect.

For the last three years the force have taken part in the UK Police Unity Tour national cycle ride to honour the service and sacrifice of fallen UK police officers.

Officers entering the memorial on their motorcycles Credit: ITV News Central

The team from Leicestershire Police cycled more than 180 miles to be at the National Memorial Arboretum near Burton Upon Trent, Staffordshire.

It was part of a national effort to raise money for the charity COPS, which supports families of fallen officers.

Sargent Ryan Coleman from Leicestershire Police said: