A MEMORIAL service is to be held for a police officer killed in the line of duty 15 years ago.

Officers in Redbridge will remember PC Phillip Walters, who was shot dead on April 18, 1995, at his memorial stone in Empress Avenue, Ilford, where he was killed.

PC Walters had been called to a domestic disturbance in Empress Avenue and attended a house with colleague PC Derek Shepherd during a late shift.

During the ensuing struggle, both officers were injured, and PC Walters was shot in the chest.

PC Shepherd was commended for his bravery in risking his own life to restrain the suspect at a special ceremony with home secretary Jack Straw in 1998.

PC Walters was just 28 when he died and had been at Ilford Police Station for just over a year.

A man was jailed for his manslaughter at the Old Bailey in June 1996.

The memorial service will take place on the anniversary of PC Walters' death at 11am and borough commander Chief Superintendent Peter Terry will lay a floral tribute at the memorial stone dedicated to him.

A minute's silence will also be held and flags will be flown at half-mast at Ilford and Barkingside Police Stations.

Ch Supt Peter Terry said: “We commemorate the loss of a valued colleague, who was the epitome of everything the public expect from an officer – dedicated, brave and loyal.”