Redbridge’s top cop led the tributes as family, friends and colleagues paid their respects to a police officer who was shot and killed while on duty.

Pc Philip Walters was gunned down in Empress Avenue, Ilford, 18 years ago.

The 28-year-old was shot as he and four other officers tried to arrest a man causing a disturbance in a house on the street.

Pc Walters was shot in the chest, while another officer, Pc Derek Shepherd, was injured as he struggled to restrain the suspect.

Ray Lee was convicted and jailed for manslaughter in 1996 following Pc Walters' death and has since been deported from the UK.

At the annual memorial service in Empress Avenue on Wednesday, Borough Commander Sue Williams said: “Phillip was the epitome of everything the public expect from a police officer, he was dedicated, brave and loyal and upheld the values we all aspire to.

“He was a valued police officer and will be remembered by family, friends and his colleagues both here at Red bridge and in the MPS.

“We should never forget that he gave his life to protect others. I also think it important that we consider his colleagues and his team, some who witnessed the traumatic events back in 1995 and the impact that this has had on their lives.

“As serving police officers they know only too well the high price we pay in protecting the public.”