Memorial Service for Ray Codling

Police in Rochdale are holding a commemorative service tomorrow to mark the 25th anniversary of the death of a police officer.

On 14 September 1989, Inspector Ray Codling was undertaking routine patrol duty at the Westbound Birch Services on the M62 motorway when he was shot and killed by convicted armed robber Anthony Hughes.

The memorial service will be held tomorrow, 11 September, at the monument erected in Ray Codling’s honour at Birch Services (Westbound), M62 Motorway, Heywood OL10 2QH and will begin at 11am.

Chief Superintendent Chris Sykes said: “Ray’s death was a tragic loss which highlights the dangers that police officers face every day whilst doing their job.

“Ray was an excellent police officer and that day will forever be remembered as a day when Greater Manchester Police lost one its most beloved family members. Today all of our thoughts are with his family.”

Ray’s widow Linda Codling said: “Ray loved his job as a police officer and his death was a huge shock that left our family absolutely devastated.

“I’m very proud that the sacrifice he made trying to keep other people safe is being recognised and paid tribute to because he deserves it.

“I’m also extremely grateful to everybody who is coming out to pay their respects. Thank you.”

John Bamford, Secretary of the Rochdale branch of NARPO, said: “Ray was a fantastic officer and he is fondly remembered by the members of our association that served alongside him.

“His loss was one that was strongly felt throughout Greater Manchester and this memorial service is the least we could do. As an organisation we will continue to provide support for families who have experienced this kind of loss.

“I would also like to say a big thank you to Birch Services who have been very supportive of this service from the start.”

The service has been organised by Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale Division, the Rochdale Branch of the National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO) and the Codling family and will be attended by dignitaries, GMP officers and members of the local community.