Blackpool Tower is to be lit up in memory of three police officer who lost their lives whilst attempting to rescue a holidaymaker.

On the 5 January 1983, 41 years ago, the officers and an RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) volunteer had attempted to save Alastair Anthony and his dog at Gynn Square, Blackpool. 

The loss of three officers in one incident was the greatest peace-time loss of life for Lancashire Constabulary. 

The Chair of Blackpool And District Branch of National Association of Retired Police Officers (NARPO), Phillip Goodison said: ‘This was a tragic incident that impacted the whole Blackpool community, and it is appropriate we continue to remember the sacrifice these officers made whilst carrying out their duties.”

Today, (5 January) a short memorial service will be held at 1pm in the Jubilee Gardens at Gynn Square, Blackpool to remember the lives of Police Constables Colin Morrison, Gordon Connolly and Angela Bradley. 

The service is being organised by Blackpool NARPO, supported by Lancashire Constabulary, the Emergency Services of Blackpool and the wider Blackpool Community. 

Blackpool Council has agreed to the illumination of the Tower in Blue on Friday evening as a mark of respect to these officers.

This event will be supported by the Blackpool RNLI whose current team has two volunteers who were operational police officers in the immediate response on the day.