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Memorial for murdered police officer

A close up picture of PC Dennis Smith Image source, Police Memorial Trust
Image caption,

PC Dennis Smith was shot by Martin Fenton when he stopped him for dangerous driving

  • Published

A memorial is being held later to mark the anniversary of the murder of PC Dennis Smith.

On 21 December 1973 he was shot dead, at point blank range, by a man who went on to kill two other people at a nearby casino.

His killer, Martin Fenton, was caught and died in prison in 1996.

The memorial will take place on Rosehill road Torquay, near the memorial plaque erected after his death.

Image source, Police Memorial Trust
Image caption,

The memorial will take place near the memorial plaque erected after his death

The event has been organised by Assistant Chief Constable Glen Mayhew from Devon and Cornwall Police.

Michael Winner, chair of the Police Memorial Trust, said his thoughts were with the family on the anniversary of "his horrific murder".

"We were honoured and privileged to unveil our special memorial to the officer’s service, bravery and sacrifice in 2021, once again proving we will always honour those who serve," he said.

Five officers who worked with PC Smith, including one who was working on the night of the incident, and his daughter are due to attend the memorial.

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