A memorial marking the bravery of a Bradford policeman was rededicated 22 years to the day after he was murdered on duty.

Sergeant Michael Hawcroft was stabbed to death after he spotted two youths trying to steal a car in Low Moor, Bradford.

The memorial was moved from the entrance at Odsal Police Station to the memorial gardens in Centenary Square because of plans to close the station in 2005.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Richard Wightman, rededicated the memorial at yesterday's ceremony, which was attended by members of Sgt Hawcroft's family. Pictured are wife Alison and son Andrew.

West Yorkshire Police Deputy Chief Constable Phillip Brear, who attended the service with colleagues, said Sgt Hawcroft died tragically in the line of duty.

"This memorial is a poignant reminder to the people of Bradford of his bravery and the risks faced by police officers every day," he said.

The 31-year-old officer was murdered early on March 12, 1981, when he and a colleague, Inspector James Newsham, stopped two youths acting suspiciously in a car in Lockwood Street.

He was stabbed a number of times when he tried to arrest one of the youths and died a few minutes later.

Insp Newsham was able to arrest the youth but also received a number of stab wounds to his arms.

Seventeen-year-old John Long, of Wyke, was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court in October 1981 to be detained at her majesty's pleasure after he was convicted of Sgt Hawcroft's murder and wounding Insp Newsham.

Sgt Hawcroft left a widow Alison and a son Andrew, who is now 23.

In April 1983 Sgt Hawcroft was posthumously awarded the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct and Insp Newsham received a medal for gallantry.