Funeral For Murdered Merseyside Officer

23 January 2015, 06:00

The funeral is taking place of PC Neil Doyle at Liverpool Parish Church.

It's the same church where he was a regular worshipper and where he married his wife Sarah last July. The couple had been due to go on honeymoon this month.

The service will be led by the Rector of Liverpool, the  Revd Dr Crispin Pailing, and the sermon will be given by the Revd Canon Robert Lewis, who married the couple.  The Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Revd Paul Bayes will lead the prayer of commendation and give the blessing.

Dr Pailing said: "Neil's death has been a shock to everyone in the community, and our church family has felt his loss. Although many of the worshippers will be there to say goodbye to a colleague, a friend or someone they respected, we shall also be praying for our brother in Christ."

Rt Revd Paul Bayes, Bishop of Liverpool, added:  "This terrible and heartbreaking tragedy is a very difficult time for Sarah and the family, and for all who knew PC Neil Doyle as a friend, neighbour, or police colleague. I hope that his funeral will bring them some comfort as they sense the love and support that surrounds them. There will be many challenging moments for them in the weeks and months ahead and my hope is that their privacy will now be respected and maintained. My thoughts and prayers are very much with them at this time."

Neil who was 36 was attacked during a Christmas night out with colleagues in Colquitt Street in Liverpool city centre. Off-duty officers Michael Steventon and Robert Marshall were also attacked and treated in hospital for injuries to their face.

Two men have already appeared at court accused of Pc Doyle's murder and are due to go on trial at Liverpool Crown Court later this year.