Newham police mourn death of two officers

Newham police were out in force last week for the funerals of two “amazing” officers who died while still in service.

Borough Commander Rob Jones wrote a touching tribute to the men behind the uniforms for the Recorder.

He wrote: “Both were very different backgrounds and characters: Declan Traynor was an Inspector who worked in Stratford in community policing, including the Redeeming our Communities faith initiative.

“He was one of 15 children from an irish Catholic family who learnt to swim as an adult in order to meet the entry requirements to join the Met, and continued to come to work through a long illness this summer before finally losing his fight over Christmas.

“Clive Stephens died very suddenly, in the year he was due to retire - he was planning to go to a place in the sun.

“He was an experienced detective from an African Carribean background who worked in our public protection team to safeguard vulnerable children and adults in Newham.

“He was a gentle giant who loved cooking and could touch type his evidence at the blink of an eye.

“Both were enormously proud to work for the Met - and demonstrate the diversity of people within our ranks.

“The feeling and tributes at their funerals - including from partners as well as members of the community who had their lives touched by them - was something I want to reflect in the warmth and affection everyone feels for their police.

“I hope, above all, that the police can be known as people, appreciated, familiar, trusted - and even loved. That is how we will make the biggest difference to lives.”