Police officer who died on duty in Ringwood honoured by King

In 1985, detective constable Malcolm Wiltshire of Hampshire Constabulary was involved in a plane crash in Ringwood.

He had been on-board taking aerial photographs of the traffic congestion in the town, on market day and both he and the pilot were tragically killed on impact.

He joined Hampshire Constabulary in 1962, later being posted at OS Photographic in Lyndhurst where he would take photographs of the scenes - one of his photos that was key to a public appeal featured on Crimewatch, leading to it becoming the first of their televised appeals to be solved as a direct result of call from viewers.

At a ceremony at Windsor Castle, DC Wiltshire's son saw his father become one of the very first recipients of the Elizabeth Emblem, a new national honour that is awarded to those who have died in public service in recognition of the sacrifice they made, named after the late Queen.

DC Malcolm Wiltshire (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

Martin, who was 15 at the time of his father's death, joined the loved ones of 37 other recipients at the historic event.

He said: "When I applied for my dad to be given this honour, we never expected to be receiving it at Windsor Castle by The King. That’s when it really dawned on us how significant this was, especially with the 40th anniversary of his death coming up next year.

“We were blown away and it means so much that the King himself has put such importance on awarding this honour to those who died while helping people.

“He spent a couple of minutes talking to us about my dad, which was really special and it is fantastic to get this national recognition for my dad.

“He would be so proud and I know that he would be smiling like he always was. He took such pride in his work, knowing that what he did helped to get justice for people.

Martin and his wife, Denise, collected the award from the King (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

“It is important that people do not forget what these people have done and it has been a huge comfort to be part of the wider policing family."

Chief Constable Scott Chilton added: "Malcolm embodied the true spirit of heroism, facing danger with unwavering courage to protect our community. His loss is still deeply felt, but the legacy of selflessness and valour will forever inspire us.

“Malcolm has never been forgotten by us as a force and I hope this national recognition shows just how grateful the country is of his contribution."