Borough remembers Nina Mackay

FALLEN police officer Nina Mackay has been remembered with flowers laid in Stratford to mark the 13th anniversary of her death.

Pictured at her memorial at the housing block where she was stabbed were (left) Deputy Mayor Councillor Andrew Baikie and Newham Police’s Borough Commander Chief Supt Simon Letchford.

Pc Mackay, 25, suffered fatal stab injuries as she and other officers from the police’s Territorial Support Group went to arrest a wanted man at a flat in Arthingworth Street on October 24, 1997.

A road close to the scene in Arthingworth Street has been named Nina Mackay Close in her memory.

She is also remembered at the Metropolitan Police memorial garden in Hendon by a Valiant Heart rose named after her.

Cllr Baikie said: “Police officers put on their uniform every day and risk their lives to protect us. Some pay the ultimate price to ensure our safety. We must never forget their bravery and commitment.”

Mr Letchford said: “Nina was a remarkable young woman, open minded, vivacious and determined. Her loss demonstrates the unquestioned bravery and devotion which officers display every day in protecting the people of Newham.”

The officer’s killer – he admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility - was ordered to be kept at Rampton top security mental hospital under the Mental Health Act with no time limit.