Essex says farewell to Sir David Amess MP
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Essex Police officers lined the street to pay their respects to Sir David Amess MP as he made his final journey through his much-loved Southend.
Officers from Southend, including Southend District Commander Ch Insp Ian Hughes, stood on parade with heads bowed outside the station on Victoria Avenue, to pay tribute to the Southend West MP as his funeral procession made its way past.
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Motorcycle officers from Essex Police’s Roads Policing Team escort Sir David Amess -
Officers from Southend stood on parade with heads bowed outside the station on Victoria Avenue -
Our motorcycle officers escorted the carriage on a poignant procession through Southend -
Officers pay tribute to the Southend West MP as his funeral procession made its way past -
Sir David was well known amongst officers in Southend and his loss has been felt by Essex Police right across our force.
They were joined today by colleagues from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service and Southend Borough Council.
The horse-drawn carriage carrying Sir David had a very special escort as motorcycle officers from Essex Police’s Roads Policing Team led it to the funeral at St Mary’s church.
Afterwards our 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 his loss has been felt by Essex Police right across our force.
The procession, which took place today (Monday 22 November) followed an emotive funeral service held at nearby St Mary’s Church, which included Essex Police Chief Constable BJ Harrington and South Local Policing Area Commander Chief Superintendent Simon Anslow among those attending.
Speaking after the ceremony 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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