Service to remember city officer

A memorial service is being held today to mark the 25th anniversary of the murder of a former Sunderland policeman.

Sgt William Forth, known as Bill to family and friends, was stabbed to death on March 20, 1993, after responding to a 999 call in Gateshead.

Bill, 34, spent the majority of his career as a 24/7 response officer in Sunderland before being promoted in 1989.

Temporary Chief Constable Winton Keenen will lay a wreath in the memorial garden at Middle Engine Lane police station today to commemorate his death.