PC David Rathband death: Police to hold memorial service

Image caption, PC Rathband was shot by Raoul Moat as he sat in his patrol car

A police memorial service is to be held to honour the officer shot and blinded by Raoul Moat.

PC David Rathband was discovered dead at his home in Blyth, Northumberland, on Wednesday night. An inquest later heard that he had been found hanged.

Northumbria Police said that the force would be holding a service during the week starting 18 March.

The ceremony is in addition to the funeral, for which no date has as yet been announced.

PC Rathband, originally from Stafford, set up the Blue Lamp Foundation after he was shot twice by Moat in Newcastle in July 2010.

The charity helps emergency service personnel injured in the line of duty.

His twin brother Darren has vowed to continue its work.

He flew back from Australia and took part in Saturday's Newcastle Parkrun. Before the event, a one-minute silence was held to remember his brother.

Northumbria Police said in a statement: "A Northumbria Police Memorial Service will be held during the week commencing 18 March in memory of PC David Rathband.

"On behalf of his widow Kath and their children, all his colleagues will be invited to attend.

"Further details will be announced in due course."