Rathband widow will miss service

The widow of PC David Rathband will not attend a cathedral service organised by his twin brother in Newcastle.

Kath Rathband issued a statement which said she will be at the funeral a week later and a memorial service two days later in the city. But she will not be at St Nicholas Cathedral in Newcastle for the service arranged by Darren Rathband on Saturday.

In a statement issued for her by Northumbria Police, the mother-of-two said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Northumbria Police for the care and support they have given and continue to give to myself, Ash and Mia during this incredibly difficult time.

"I'd also like to thank all the well-wishers for their kind words, from which I have gained tremendous strength.

"There is to be a service on Saturday March 10, at which I will not be present. However, I will be attending my husband David's funeral service, which will be held in Stafford.

"I will then be taking part in a police memorial service which will be held at 2pm on Monday March 19 at St Nicholas Cathedral.

"Family, friends and colleagues can gather to celebrate the many happy memories we all have of the 12 years spent as a family in the North East of England.

"In these extremely difficult times for myself and our children, we want to be able to grieve in private and out of the media spotlight and we request that everyone respects this."