Memorial held for officer killed in air crash

A police force is holding a memorial service to mark the 40th anniversary of the death of one of its officers.

Det Con Malcolm Wiltshire served in Hampshire Constabulary and died in 1985 when the light aircraft he was on board crashed.

Acting Chief Constable Sam de Reya said he "embodied the true spirit of heroism".

Last year he became one of the first recipients of the Elizabeth Emblem, presented by the King for "a life given in service".

The new award, named after the late Queen, was given at Windsor Castle to the next of kin of emergency service workers who died in the line of duty, in recognition of their loved ones.

Det Con Wiltshire was taking aerial photographs of traffic congestion in Ringwood at the time of the crash.

PC Gerald Spencer, who was the pilot of the aircraft, also died. Both were killed on impact.

The service is specifically commemorating Det Con Wiltshire's life and service, but both officers' sacrifices are being acknowledged in the service.

Acting Chief Constable de Reya said: "It is so important that as a police family we commemorate officers who have lost their lives while in service.

"Det Con Malcolm Wiltshire embodied the true spirit of heroism, facing danger with unwavering courage to protect our community, and I was so pleased to see his service recognised recently by the King.

"Malcolm has never been forgotten by us as a force - his legacy of selflessness and valour will forever inspire us."

The service takes place later at the Church of St Peter and St Paul, in Ringwood, Hampshire.

You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.