Joseph Byrnes

Died

29 October 1885

Age

Rank

Police Constable

Force

Cumberland & Westmorland Constabulary

Cause

Homicide - Shot

Duty Status

On Duty

Roll of Honour Citation

Shot and fatally wounded as he attempted to arrest three armed men who were wanted for a burglary.

Roll of Honour Citation

Shot and fatally wounded as he attempted to arrest three armed men who were wanted for a burglary.

Circumstances

After a violent struggle he was shot in the head and fatally wounded when, unarmed and knowing other officers had already been shot, he attempted to arrest three armed burglars whom he confronted alone at Plumpton.

Shot in the head and fatally wounded after a violent struggle in Unthank Road, Plumpton, when, unarmed and knowing that other officers had already been shot, he confronted and, alone, attempted to arrest three armed men who were wanted for a burglary at Netherby Hall near Arthuret.

Three months later, the three men were found guilty of PC Byrnes’ murder and sentenced to death. They were hanged in Carlisle on 8th February 1886.