Posthumous honour for PC who died while on duty

The family of a 28-year-old police officer killed in a road traffic collision has been awarded the prestigious Elizabeth Emblem.

PC Sandra Edwards died from her injuries sustained after her patrol car crashed during the pursuit of a suspected stolen car in Cudworth, Barnsley, in May 1995, according to the Police Remembrance Trust charity.

The national award, which recognises the sacrifices made by public servants and their families, was presented to Enid Morton, PC Edwards' mother, on Wednesday.

"Sandra loved her job and was taken far too soon in the line of duty, but we were so proud of everything she achieved and are truly grateful for her award," she said.

Chief Constable Lauren Poultney, of South Yorkshire Police, said the award represented a lasting memory of PC Edwards' bravery and sacrifice.

"It is an honour, albeit one in the most tragic of circumstances, for the Elizabeth Emblem to be awarded," Poultney said.

"I am deeply grateful PC Sandra Edwards has been recognised in this way, I know how much comfort this brings to her family.

"Since her death, Sandra has been deeply mourned by both her loved ones and the force."

Named after Elizabeth II, the award was introduced in 2024 after a campaign led by Bryn Hughes, whose daughter Nicola was murdered along with her colleague Fiona Bone while working for Greater Manchester Police in 2012.

The award is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.

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