Nottinghamshire Police lay wreath to remember young police officer murdered on duty in Worksop aged just 19

A wreath in memory of PC Christopher McDonald, who was tragically killed in the line of duty, was laid at Force Headquarters, to mark 42-years since he passed away.

Nottinghamshire Police Federation Chairman Mark Petrovic said “Sunday 17 of May 2020 is the anniversary of Christopher’s death, when he was so tragically killed whilst out and about fighting crime. He was the first ever Police officer in Nottinghamshire to be killed in the line of his duty.”

“Even though this was 42 years ago, I would like all our Police family to take time and reflect on what a brave officer Christopher was. He was only 19 years old.”

“We have laid a wreath at Police Headquarters in memory of Christopher. We still keep in touch with Christopher’s mother and sister.”

Christopher’s sister Elaine Atkinson Dean said “The family are really grateful that Christopher is remembered in so many different ways by the Police, from the anniversary of his death through to the Unity Tour and National Police Memorial Day. Sadly that event has been cancelled this year because of the Covid19 crisis. It is nice to see Nottinghamshire Police remembering their own.”

Christopher was born on March 19 1959 and joined Nottinghamshire Police in 1976 as a police cadet .

After his training the Police Constable was posted to police the Worksop area. At that time the Police were investigating a series of commercial burglaries committed overnight around Worksop town centre.

On May 17 1978 Christopher was working a night shift in Worksop and was alone on foot patrol when he came across a jewellers shop premises being burgled. He bravely confronted a gang of offenders who subsequently fled the scene.

Christopher gave chase, running towards the river Ryton and managed to alert other officers over the radio about the crime. The last report Christopher made over his radio was at 12.28am and said “I am chasing men over the waste ground...”

Christopher’s body was later found in the river, 200 yards away from the scene of the crime. A post mortem revealed he had sustained multiple head injuries and had drowned.

Later that same day 20 year old Peter Albert Loveday was arrested on suspicion of the murder. Loveday had admitted fighting with the young constable and using his truncheon and a brick to beat him about his head and face. Loveday then claimed that he left Christopher by the side of the river. Pathologists stated that due to the state of his injuries, Christopher would not have been capable of moving.

At the end of the trial in August 1978, Loveday was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment.

In 1980 Christopher was posthumously awarded the Queens Commendation for Bravery.

Chief Constable of Nottinghamsire Police Craig Guildford said: “Christopher made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting the community and doing his job as a young police officer 42 years ago. I believe it is right and fitting that we remember him and that our thoughts are with his family.”

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