Tributes to Cumbrian floods PC at end of inquest

Oct 16 2010 The Journal

TRIBUTES have been paid to a policeman swept from a bridge during the Cumbrian floods after his death was ruled an accident.

PC Bill Barker, 44, was nearing the end of his night shift when he responded to a report a car may have veered off Northside Bridge in Workington and into a swollen river.

The father of four was knocked unconscious with a blow to the head as he landed in the debris-strewn water and his body was carried eight miles downstream. He was discovered later the same day on a beach in nearby Allonby.

Yesterday an inquest ruled that his death was accidental.

After the inquest, his widow Hazel Barker released a statement saying: “To say the last year has been difficult for our family would be very much an understatement.

“Losing Bill has left a hole in our lives that we will never be able to fill but all the love and support we have received from our friends and the wider community over the last year has helped to carry and strengthen us.

“Bill made us proud every day he was with us. While we miss him terribly, we will ensure his memory lives on with all the charity events which we have thrown ourselves into over the last year.

“Bill died doing a job he loved, serving the community he cared about and one which he considered a honour and privilege to serve.”

After delivering the verdict yesterday, the jury foreman said: “As jurors, we would like to commend the actions of the public who were first at the scene and give our sympathies to Mrs Barker and her family for their tragic loss.”

North and West Cumbria Coroner David Roberts said: “I would also concur with the jury in their expressions regarding the prompt action of members of the public. They are to be all commended.

“On a personal note, I offer my sincere condolences to Mrs Barker, who has displayed great dignity throughout.”