Wednesday, August 12, 2026, marked the 60th anniversary of the Braybrook Street murders, a tragedy that changed the lives of three families and continues to be remembered across the policing community.
On that day, in 1966, Detective Sergeant Christopher Head, Detective Constable David Wombwell and Police Constable Geoffrey Fox of the Metropolitan Police lost their lives while carrying out their duties.
The Daily Mirror, published the following day, described the incident as ‘more than a murder, it was a massacre’ and cited that some 18,000 people had joined in the hunt for the killer.
Never in the history of the Metropolitan Police Service had so many officers been lost in a single incident and the public were outraged. The outpouring of sympathy and support for their families established The Police Dependent’s Trust, as donations swelled to more than £1million.
Their tragic deaths left a lasting impact on their families, friends and colleagues, and remain a very important part of policing history.
Sixty years on, their memory was honoured at a memorial service held by the Metropolitan Police at the memorial stone marking the location where they died. The service was attended by surviving family members, former colleagues and friends, members of the public and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley.
The event is a poignant reminder that, despite the passage of time, Christopher, David and Geoffrey have not been forgotten.
For Police Care UK, this anniversary carries particular significance, with the Police Dependent’s Trust – created following the public response to the deaths – later merging with the National Police Fund to become Police Care UK.
The charity’s roots lie in a collective determination to support police families affected by harm and loss, a commitment that continues today.
Police Care UK has attended the Braybrook Street memorial for many years. This year, the charity was represented by Chair of Trustees Dr Ravi Rana, Chief Executive Geoff Cheshire and Engagement Officer Dave Blundell, with our Chair and CEO laying a wreath on behalf of the organisation.
Following the service, the families of Christopher Head and David Wombwell were presented with Elizabeth Emblems, recognising the enduring impact of their loss.
Dr Ravi Rana, Chair of Trustees at Police Care UK, said:
“On Wednesday I thought about the three officers who were gunned down in Braybrook Street while carrying out their normal duty, to maintain law and order and keep the rest of us safe.
“It was a stark and humbling reminder of just how dangerous police work is and how much we ask of them, and their families. I hope we can continue to honour their sacrifice through our work in Police Care UK.”
Geoff Cheshire, Chief Executive of Police Care UK, said:
“The Braybrook Street murders remain a significant moment in policing history and in the history of our charity. While 60 years have passed, the impact of that day can still be felt by the families, friends and colleagues of those who were lost.
“We were honoured to join them in remembrance and to lay a wreath on behalf of Police Care UK. As an organisation born from the public’s desire to support families affected by this tragedy, we remain committed to ensuring that serving and veteran police personnel, staff, volunteers and their families can access the care and support they need, so that no one faces the impact of harm alone.”
Today, Police Care UK is the national, independent charity supporting serving and veteran members of the police community, as well as their families, when they have been harmed through policing.
Through free and confidential financial and psychological support, the charity helps people recover and move forward, ensuring no one faces the impact of harm alone. Still funded purely by public donation, the charity’s legacy of those who wanted to show their support to the policing community continues.
Six decades later, the memory of Christopher Head, David Wombwell and Geoffrey Fox remains woven into the history of policing and into the story of Police Care UK.
Their legacy continues through the support provided to members of the police community and their families across the UK, helping ensure that those living with the impact of harm have somewhere to turn when they need it most.
You can support our work, and ensure our work here.
"The Braybrook Street murders remain a significant moment in policing history and in the history of our charity. While 60 years have passed, the impact of that day can still be felt by the families, friends and colleagues of those who were lost. We were honoured to join them in remembrance and to lay a wreath on behalf of Police Care UK."Geoff Cheshire, Chief Executive of Police Care UK
