Fallen police officer remembered at Oxenholme

A memorial service is being held to remember a police officer killed in the line of duty at Oxenholme Station.

PC George Russell, 35, was shot in an ambush at the station on February 10, 1965.

A plaque to celebrate his bravery was unveiled at the station eight years ago.

PC Russell was sent to the station to search for a gunman who had escaped police in Cheshire, and fired at officers in Kendal.

He, and two other officers, found the criminal in the waiting room. In what was described as a "terrifying stand off", the gunman shot PC Russell.

The father of two died hours later in hospital.

The killer, John Middleton, was chased by 200 police officers, and he shot himself in the head, suffering brain damage.

The 24-year-old wasn't fit to stand trial, and was committed to a mental hospital.

PC George Russell's funeral was held at Carlisle Cathedral, and he was posthumously awarded the Queen's Police Medal for Gallantry.