The family of a policeman killed in the line of duty have called for a change in the law to allow him to be given a civilian honour.  

Detective Sergeant Ross Hunt was stabbed to death in 1983 when investigating an assault while technically off duty. 

His death mirrors that of PC George Taylor, who was killed with an axe while trying to apprehend two men who had escaped from the state mental hospital Carstairs in 1976.  

Neither man’s bravery has been officially recognised — with the UK Government saying that their hands are tied as civilian awards can only be made five years after the event.  

Campaigner George Barnsley, a former policeman, has taken up the two cases and has met with Ministers who have told him nothing can be done.

READ MORE: They died doing their job. So why won’t the Government recognise them?

But Mr Barnsley and Mr Hunt’s family say that the issue could be resolved with a simply review of the law – and that current civilian honours rules are out of date as they were established in the wake of the Second World war.  

They have called for the introduction of a civilian version of the Elizabeth Cross, which is awarded to the next of kin of armed forces personnel killed on operations.

It is a mark of national recognition of the service and loss but remarkably there is no equivalent for police officers 

Our Columnist Mark Smith has taken up the story: Read more here