Police remember Birmingham officer who was killed on duty 50 years ago
West Midlands Police have remembered a Birmingham police officer who was fatally stabbed on duty 50 years ago.
PC David Green became a regular officer on his 19th birthday in 1974 after serving as a Birmingham City Police cadet.
Two months after the local forces merged, he became a West Midlands Police officer.
Over his career, PC Green was described as a bright, intelligent young officer who, despite his short service, was commended for his bravery on three occasions.
On July 17, 1975, PC Green's life was tragically cut short.
While on patrol near the Rainbow Suite on High Street, Birmingham, he saw a 16-year-old boy with a knife.
The youth ran off, and PC Green gave chase and arrested him.
However, as he was attempting to bring him back into custody, PC Green was surrounded by a gang of youths who jostled him and tried to free the prisoner.
One of the group stabbed the officer in the heart, and the men ran off.
Despite being injured, PC Green bravely tried to give chase, but collapsed after a short distance.
A carving knife was shortly recovered from a flowerbed outside Rackhams.
In January 1976, a man was convicted of murder and Prosecution counsel, Mr John Owen QC, described David Green as a brave, resolute man who was trying to do his job.
He said the citizens of Birmingham could be properly proud of him.
In July 1985, a plaque was unveiled at Steelhouse Lane police station dedicated to David.
Earlier this week, a special ceremony was hosted by National Police Chaplain Matthew Hopley, David's family and Deputy Chief Constable Scott Green.
In the pogniant ceremony, flowers were laid at the Roll of Honour in memory of PC Green.
David's plaque is now proudly on display at the Police Museum on Steelhouse Lane, Birmingham.
