A MEMORIAL is being held this week for a Wiltshire Police officer killed 40 years ago.

PC Des Kellam was responding to a report of a burglary on October 3 1979 when he was attacked in St James’ Churchyard in Trowbridge.

Father-of-two PC Kellam, 31, died shortly after being attacked with a billhook.

David Octavius James, 19, was later convicted of his manslaughter.

A service will be held in St James’ Church by the Wiltshire Police Chaplain Canon Bill Cave on Thursday 3 October at 12pm.

Those wishing to honour his memory are invited to attend. The service will be followed by a ceremony at Polebarn Road police station.