Shot in the head and fatally wounded after a violent struggle in Unthank Road, Plumpton, when, unarmed and knowing 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.