Roger Brereton

The Hungerford Massacre, as it became known, began when a 27-year-old man embarked on an armed rampage.

Following a 999 call to Newbury Police Station at 12.40pm, reporting a shooting incident, PC Roger Brereton was one of four police officers to respond. The officers planned their approach and, as agreed, Roger drove into South View, a narrow lane leading to Hungerford Common.

The armed man suddenly emerged and repeatedly fired at PC Brereton, hitting him and causing his police car to crash. Despite this, Roger used his VHF radio to warn the Force Control Room. Using an automatic weapon, the man again opened fire on the officer. A total of twenty-four bullets struck the police car.

PC Brereton was posthumously awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct.

Image from the funeral of PC Brereton.