SENIOR police officers have been criticised by the family of a murdered nurse for pulling out of a conference in her name.

A guest speaker from Lancashire Constabulary had been lined up to address the first annual Justice For Jane conference held on Thursday night in memory of Jane Clough, murdered by Jonathan Vass.

But as well as withdrawing from the event at late notice, officials advised Jane’s family liaison officer not to attend, even in her own spare time, to receive an award from the family.

Jane’s parents John and Penny said the FLO had been left ‘very upset’ at the decision.

Speaking at the conference at Blackpool’s DeVere Hotel in front of more than 100 guests, Jane’s father John Clough, 51, from Higherford, said: “The police have regrettably withdrawn their spokesperson as they cannot be seen to speak under the banner of Justice For Jane because it is an ethical dilemma for them.

“Jane’s FLO is a very special family friend. She spent time with Jane through her darkest days but she was ordered not to attend.”

Instead, Mr Clough read out a letter sent from Det Supt Ian Critchley, head of the public protection unit, which outlined the work the force does in prosecuting rape and supporting victims and their families.

However, in a written reply to Mr Critchley, seen by the Lancashire Telegraph, Penny and John Clough, labelled it a ‘disappointing response’ and branded the reasoning ‘lame’.

The Cloughs pointed out that the Chief Constable of Merseyside Jon Murphy attended a similar Families Fighting For Justice conference in May.

They said: “We are not asking anyone in the police to come and say “We support you John and Penny,’ nor to answer questions.

"We are asking for a 10-minute speech on how the police provide support for rape victims.

"If not, we need more than a piece of paper.

“The Jane Clough Award for 2011 for supporting a victim of rape is actually going to be awarded to Sam Goodison, she was Jane’s FLO.

"I bet you don;t know her from Adam, but do you know what?

“She was there for Jane. We are saying the police were good, and you are giving a side of A4. Not very productive or proactive.”

The Lancashire Telegraph understands the decision was made by head of crime, Det Chief Supt Graham Gardner.

A spokesman for the force declined to say why the decisions to withdraw both the speaker and the FLO had been taken, but said they were happy the conference had been a success.