Seventh anniversary of Pc Gary Toms’ death marked at memorial service
Deputy Mayor of Newham Cllr Lester Hudson (4th from left) and Chief Supt Tony Nash (5th from left) by the memorial stone of Pc Gary Toms - Credit: Archant
Newham police officers and councillors laid a wreath in memory of the policeman who died in the line of duty.
Pc Gary Toms had been a Metropolitan police officer for seven years when he died in 2009. - Credit: Archant
Pc Gary Toms, a firearms officer with CO19, suffered a fatal head injury while on patrol in Stratford in 2009.
He had been called to reports of an aggravated burglary, possibly involving a firearm, with his colleagues.
During the pursuit, the suspect’s vehicle was cornered in Ashlin Road but Pc Tomms was pushed to the floor while trying to stop the car, resulting in a fatal head injury.
The 38-year-old, who had served with the Metropolitan Police for seven years, died in hospital six days later.
Yesterday’s service was held at the memorial stone to Pc Gary Toms and was attended by officers from firearm command and the territorial support group.
In his eulogy, Borough Commander Tony Nash, said: “His colleagues remember Gary fondly, recalling his sense of humour, his loyalty to his friends and to those he worked with his dedication to the Met.”
Most Read
- 1 Stratford roof-terrace restaurant destroyed by late-night fire
- 2 Homes under the Planner: Applications lodged and approved in Newham
- 3 The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee flypast: Where, and when, the planes will fly over north and east London
- 4 Girl, 17, held on suspicion of terrorism offences after east London arrest
- 5 Man dies after falling unwell in Stratford
- 6 Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: Street parties and road closures in Newham
- 7 Man held in murder probe after woman fatally stabbed in Custom House
- 8 Man charged with fatal stabbing of woman in Custom House
- 9 'Unexplained': Man dies after being found unresponsive in Plashet Park
- 10 Two teenagers charged after 12 phones nicked in stealing spree
Deputy Mayor of Newham Cllr Lester Hudson said: “This is a very sad occasion remembering the tragic death of dedicated officer Pc Gary Toms.
“It is important that we remember the deaths of officers who died while carrying out their duties, serving our communities with such bravery and courage. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”
