THE Police Memorial Trust has paid tribute to an heroic former policeman killed in the line of duty 29 years ago.

PC Duncan Clift was knocked over after attempting to stop a car being stolen in Hexham's Wentworth Car Park.

The Tynedale-born officer, who worked as part of the Kent Constabulary, was off duty on March 22, 1991, while on holiday visiting his family in his hometown of Slaley.

Whilst out shopping in Hexham, he visited Wentworth Car Park where he spotted a man attempting to seal a car. As Clift tried to stop the car moving away, the driver deliberately drove at him inflicting head injuries.

PC Clift died in Newcastle General Hospital two days later, aged 27.

A man charged in connection with his death was cleared of murder and manslaughter.

The Police Memorial Trust erected a memorial to Duncan on June 28, 1993 at the spot where he fell, in the car park.