Hundreds pay respects to PC killed in crash

Hundreds of people have paid their respects to a police officer who died while responding to an emergency.

Father-of-two Mathew Parker crashed his motorbike on the A12 near Ingatestone on 19 November. The 43-year-old was a motorcycle officer based at Essex Police's roads unit in Chigwell.

Ahead of the funeral, PC Parker's family were taken from the family home in Loughton on a procession that took in his favourite pub and policing base.

Counterparts from fire and ambulance services also paid their respects on the route, which ended at Parndon Wood Cemetery and Crematorium, in Harlow.

Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said it was "the greatest privilege" to support PC Parker's family at his funeral on Monday.

"I cannot imagine the pain felt by Mat's family, but today we stand united with them in grief and love for Mat," he said.

"Mat died responding to an emergency call to help someone he never met – he is a credit to Essex Police and British policing."

No other vehicle was involved in the crash, which happened at 12:25 GMT.

PC Parker joined Essex Police in 2010 and also worked in Loughton, the force said.

Passionate about motorbikes, he owned a Harley-Davidson and was a member of the Iron Order Motorcycle Club.

Mr Harrington said: "Mat, may you rest in peace and ride free. I will forever be grateful for your service."

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