Norfolk Police Federation

22/08/2026

Devastating News as Cleveland Police announce the on duty death of two colleagues in the early hours of this morning.

All of our thoughts are with their families, friends and close colleagues at this time.

Details of the incident on the A66 and the nature of it are still emerging. The officers have not been named at this time.

Lauren Somerville, Chair of Cleveland Police Federation, said: "Words cannot describe the pain the Cleveland Police Family are feeling today.

"Our colleagues who should have been going home to their loved ones at the end of their shifts are not. And that is just unfathomable.

"Cleveland Police Federation will be offering full support to our fallen colleagues families and they have all of our love and care at this time.

"When the time is right we will pay full tribute to our brave colleagues. But we can assure that their sacrifice will never be forgotten."

Lauren added: "Please also spare a thought today for all Cleveland Police colleagues having to go to work, keeping people safe whilst mourning the death of two colleagues.

"We are supporting all close colleagues involved and will continue to do so. If anyone needs support please contact the office or a Federation Rep."

20/08/2026

The Clearing Crew is looking for part-time employees who want to earn some extra money.

The company is looking to recruit soon and have new people on board in the next month to six weeks.

A normal day clean would require two people working in people’s homes. The company also undertakes rapid clearances and hoarding work. Rapid clearances are usually a couple of days. Ongoing hoarding support work range from a couple of sessions to regular work over a longer time period.

The work is usually Monday to Friday, with occasional weekends, and there is no minimum hourly commitment.
New colleagues will be given on-the-job mentoring and training, including on hoarder support and clearance. There is specific on-the-job training for biohazard clearance. New colleagues will not work alone and will have another team member to instruct and supervise them.

Hoarding support work involves working with people to help them de-clutter, deep clean and organise their homes. There is a lot of patience required to work with the clients at their pace, helping them feel safe to let go of belongings and create safer and more welcoming home environments (whatever that means to them). There will be some level of moving and handing, as some clients have large volumes of belongings or may require furniture to be shifted about.

The company also undertakes deep cleaning work in some homes that have not been cleaned for many months or years, so there is often significant levels of dirt and grime.

The biohazard work will be clearing and decontamination of specific areas. This is using specific chemicals, clearing and cleaning approaches to make an environment safe and restore to livable conditions. This is unlikely to involve contact with clients, though family members or landlords may wish to attend at the end of a clean.

The company covers the whole of Norfolk (and Cambridgeshire). For more information, see www.theclearingcrew.com/join-the-crew

20/08/2026

Thames Valley Police Federation is still working hard to try to stop the early release from jail of PC Andrew Harper's killers.

We have surpassed a million signatures on our public petition, which is a phenomenal achievement.

The incredible public support has led to the Government considering a law change to keep PC Harper's killers in prison, but nothing is guaranteed yet.

We are asking as many people as possible to write to their local MP so we can collectively put pressure on the Government to change the law to stop these individuals leaving prison early. It will only take a couple of minutes, but it can have a real impact.

You can find your MP here by inputting your postcode: members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP. You will then see a clickable link email your MP directly. There is a template letter below that you can copy and paste.

On behalf of Thames Valley Police Federation and Andrew’s friends and colleagues, thank you for your continued support.

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Dear [MP NAME],
I am writing as your constituent to ask you to support the campaign to prevent the early release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers. I am deeply concerned that changes to early release under the Government’s new Sentencing Act could mean that two of the men responsible for PC Harper’s death are released from prison before they have served their full sentence.
Police officers put themselves in harm’s way every single day to keep the rest of us safe.
They run towards danger when others run away, knowing that there is always a possibility they may not make it home to their families.
Allowing those responsible for killing an officer in the line of duty to benefit from early release would send a terrible message to police officers across the country about how we value their service and sacrifice.
I believe that PC Harper’s family and colleagues deserve better. I am therefore asking you, as my MP, to urge the Prime Minister and the Justice Secretary to make urgent changes to the Early Release Scheme, so that PC Andrew Harper’s killers remain behind bars for the duration of their original sentence.
I look forward to hearing from you.
[NAME]
[POSTCODE]

18/08/2026

17/08/2026

Personal message from Thames Valley Police Federation Chair Aileen O'Connor after the petition to stop the early release from jail of PC Andrew Harper's killers reached 1 million signatures.

17/08/2026

A retired Norfolk officer whose PC brother in law died on the way to work has described taking part in her 11th Police Unity Tour as a "phenomenal experience".

The annual event sees cyclists ride, often hundreds of miles, from their force areas to Staffordshire, where they attend the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum.

The multi-day event raises thousands of pounds for charity each year while honouring the memory of fallen colleagues.

In 2026, £250,000 was raised for the Care of Police Survivors Charity by the riders.

This year, Nicky Jessop rode alongside her sister, Norfolk officer Jo Hill, in memory of Jo's husband.

PC Nicholas Hill died while travelling to work at Hammersmith Police Station in 2002, when his son was just a baby.

Nicky said: "COPS supported Jo and her son through an incredibly difficult time. My nephew was just 11 days old when Nicholas died.

"COPS became very close to our family. Jo, who was serving with the Met at the time, was one of the first officers to take part in the American tour before helping to establish the UK event.

"That was 11 years ago and here we are, still doing it. It's a fantastic weekend. We've formed some really close friendships, and it's a time when we can reflect and remember."

The tour has grown steadily over the years, with 20 chapters from across the country taking part this year.

Nicky added: "It's amazing. This is the biggest year so far. It's so important that we're here to support each other because every single person taking part has been affected by the loss of a colleague, friend or family member.

"Attending the remembrance service, visiting the memorial and listening to the speeches focuses everyone's attention. It's an indescribable feeling. It's phenomenal really, quite a spectacle."

14/08/2026

The petition to stop the early release from jail of PC Andrew Harper's killers has reached 1 million signatures.

We would like to thank each and every person who has signed our petition for their support on this important issue.

With the 7th anniversary of Andrew's death tomorrow, Thames Valley Police Federation have chosen to acknowledge this important milestone without fanfare, out of respect to his family at this difficult time.

13/08/2026

Petition: Please Sign and Share

Stop the early release from jail of PC Andrew Harper's killers

Petition to stop the early release from jail of PC Andrew Harper's killers

11/08/2026

Fifty police chiefs - including our Chief Constable - call on PM to prevent PC Andrew Harper killers release

An open letter signed by 50 policing and law enforcement leaders from across the UK also calls for the introduction of stronger protections for victims and communities when release arrangements change

Dear Prime Minister,

We welcome your intervention regarding the potential earlier release of those responsible for the death of PC Andrew Harper, and your instruction to the Justice Secretary to examine what can lawfully be done. When the state asks people to run towards danger on behalf of the public, they should be able to trust that the justice system will stand behind them when the worst happens.

PC Andrew Harper's case also raises a wider question.

When someone is sentenced for an exceptionally serious offence, how much confidence can victims, bereaved families and the public place in that sentence if subsequent changes to release arrangements result in an offender being released significantly earlier than originally anticipated?

This question extends far beyond policing.

Families across the country are now facing the distress of learning that offenders may be released earlier than they understood when sentence was passed. We do not suggest that the grief of a police family is greater than that of any other bereaved family, nor that the life of an emergency worker has greater value.

Our concern is for all victims and families affected by serious offending sentencing changes.

PC Andrew Harper lost his life while protecting the public and serving his community. Following his death, Lissie Harper campaigned for a change in the law, leading Parliament to establish Harper's Law, recognising the exceptional risks emergency workers take while protecting others.

While Harper's Law cannot retrospectively alter the sentences imposed following PC Andrew Harper’s death, the principle behind it remains important. Those who serve and protect the public should know that the justice system recognises the risks they take on society's behalf. Victims and bereaved families should be confident that sentences imposed for the most serious offences retain meaning and that public protection remains a central consideration when release decisions are made.

There is a profound strength of feeling across policing about those responsible for PC Andrew Harper’s death benefiting from arrangements that could see them released substantially earlier than expected.

Officers and staff understand that the law must be applied as it stands. But they will question what message this sends about the value placed on their service and sacrifice when they put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.

Police officers and staff see first-hand the impact serious crime has on victims and their families. They support people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives and ask them to place their trust in the justice system. That trust is vital and should not be weakened. We are also collectively concerned that an approach to early release which does not sufficiently distinguish the most serious offending risks undermining public safety, victim confidence and wider confidence in the criminal justice system.

We therefore ask Government to consider three measures.

First, we ask that every lawful option is examined to determine whether the earlier release of those responsible for PC Andrew Harper's death can be prevented.

We recognise that Government must act within the law. Nevertheless, given the significance of this case, it is right that every available lawful avenue is explored.

Second, we ask Government to establish an additional public protection safeguard in cases involving the most serious offenders whenever future changes to sentencing on release arrangements are considered.

Where an offender has caused a death, committed exceptionally serious violence, or presents an ongoing risk to individuals or communities, there should be explicit consideration of public protection, victim impact and community safety before release arrangements are amended.

This principle should also apply to serious offences where there is a continuing risk of harm to victims or the public, including serious violence against women and girls, stalking and harassment.

This is not simply a question of punishment. It is a question of ensuring that public protection, victim confidence and community safety remain central to decisions that may substantially reduce the time an offender spends in custody.

Third, victims and bereaved families must be properly considered whenever significant changes are made to sentencing or release arrangements.

There should also be consideration of the impact that significant changes to release policy may have on victims, public protection, policing and confidence in the justice system.

Prime Minister, we welcome your intervention and the direction you have given to the Justice Secretary. This provides an opportunity not only to examine every lawful avenue in PC Andrew Harper’s case, but to ensure similar concerns do not arise again.

We make this request in memory of PC Andrew Harper, in support of his family, friends, colleagues and the communities he served and on behalf of all victims of serious offending.

The public should be able to trust that when a court passes sentence for the most serious crimes, victims, public protection and confidence in the justice system remain at the heart of any subsequent decisions about release.

We stand ready to continue working with Government on safeguards needed to protect victims, the public and confidence in the justice system.

We look forward to further conversations.

Yours sincerely,

With the collective agreement and support of Chief Constables and Commissioners across the United Kingdom

Petition to stop the early release from jail of PC Andrew Harper's killers

10/08/2026

Police officers who have died on duty were remembered with fondness and fun - and no shortage of emotion - by their family and friends at the Care of Police Survivors (COPS) Annual Service of Remembrance.

Surviving family members and serving police officers of all ranks gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum on Sunday August 9 to pay respects to officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The service in Staffordshire – bathed in scorching sunshine – was attended by more than 1,000 people.

Events took place all weekend for surviving family members.

Speaking at the event, Chief Constable Paul Sanford said: “Policing's a really busy job and you don't often get time to pause and reflect, and that's what today is all about. People who we’re commemorating here made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, and it's absolutely appropriate that we spend some time just to reflect on that.

“The [Police Unity Tour] cyclists have been heroes. They've cycled hundreds and hundreds of miles, coming from forces across the country, to commemorate their fallen colleagues. So I think it's a really good tribute to those who we've lost.

“It's one of the most important days of the year for me. It makes me even prouder to be a Chief and a leader in policing. But today is about the fallen colleagues and their families, and I hope it's a really special, reflective day for them.”

Sir John Robins, Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, who is also the Chair of Trustees of the COPS charity, said: "We've gathered here today for both remembrance and care. Remembering those officers and staff who've lost their lives but also caring for their survivors. The Care of Police Survivors is a charity based and instigated by survivors, run by survivors, for survivors. So policing and the families are coming together today to help, care and remember.

"I think we all need to take time out to think about the magnitude of the job we do, the public service we do, and to remember those who we've lost. But we also need to remember their families, whether it be 12 months ago, 20 years ago, 40 years ago. Those families are still grieving, and I think it's our duty and our privilege in policing to support and help them."

He added "The overwhelming majority of the public do support us and they do feel for us, but we need to support those families whose [loved ones] stepped out of their house that day and never returned. That's our job as serving officers, retired officers, staff and policing, to help them, help those families deal with their grief and never forget their loved ones."

More than 4,500 police officers have died on duty in the United Kingdom while protecting the public.

During the one hour service on Sunday, survivors recalled their loss and how the charity had helped them in their time of need.

A daughter of fallen Hertfordshire Police officer – who has since gone on to join the force and have his collar number – a stepdaughter of a Metropolitan Police officer and a sister of a South Wales Police officer who died on duty spoke with emotion and humour recalling their loved one.

The Roll of Honour for the police officers and who died on duty during the last 12 months was read out.

Those remembered this year were PC Marcus Bennett, of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary; PC Francis Hawkins, of the Metropolitan Police; PC Ian Minett, of Gloucestershire Constabulary; PC Faizaan Najeeb, of Northamptonshire Police; PC Matthew Parker, of Essex Police; PC Bradley Corke, of Kent Police; PC Mark Chester, of the MOD Police; PC Jess Turnbull, of Northumbria Police; and PC Alice Slominska, of Bedfordshire Police.

Before the Service of Remembrance, more than 500 cyclists on The Police Unity Tour arrived having ridden from across the country to the Arboretum in memory of fallen officers.

Also attending the Service of Remembrance were the Blue Knights motorcyclists.

Music on the day was provided by the West Midlands Police Brass Band.