Connor's letter makes him pride of the force

Connor Howard (12) who wrote to Saddleworth policing team to say how sorry he was about the death of PC Keith Palmer in London terror attack and how much he appreciates them

A DELPH youngster moved by the death of a policeman during last month's London terror attack has touched the hearts of Saddleworth officers after he wrote to them expressing his sorrow and appreciation for everything they do.

Connor Howard (12) sent a card to the Saddleworth policing team - along with a cake from him and his mum, Emma - to say how sad he was about the death of PC Keith Palmer, who was stabbed outside the Palace of Westminster in March.

It read: "PC Keith Palmer was really brave. It really wasn't fair and I'm very sorry."

His mum dropped the note and cake off at Uppermill police station, explaining how they both really value the local police force and thanked them for the good work they do.

Respect

Overwhelmed officers then contacted Emma to ask if they could meet Connor at his home in Vicarage Gardens home to say thank-you.

Emma, a sister at Royal Oldham Hospital, said she couldn't believe it when they turned up on the doorstep, bringing with them a framed Citizens Certificate for Connor, who is a student at Blue Coat School.

"As a family we've always had a respect for the police and the difficult job they do and Connor has been brought up to understand that," said Emma.

"When I told him what had happened to PC Palmer he was really upset. He feels very strongly the police are there to help us and to hear this officer had died doing his job to protect everyone else made him sad. I suggested we do something nice to show our local police how much we appreciate them.

"He wrote those words, which I thought were just perfect for a 12-year-old, and I bumped into PCSO Lee Lockwood in Greenfield and told him about it and asked when the station was open so I could drop it off.

"Lee then got in touch to say everybody at the police station was touched by the card and wanted to meet Connor.

"Three of them came round with this beautiful certificate. I thought Connor would be really shy but the officers really brought him out of his shell and took him outside to see the police car. He wanted to be a teacher before now he says he thinks he'd like to be a police officer.

"It was such a lovely gesture."

A Saddleworth police spokesman said: "It was a lovely card. For a young man of 12 years to come forward with such heartfelt words really touched the team and we wanted to recognize his support in kind by presenting him with a certificate.

"He was thrilled, as was his mum, and he looked justifiably very proud."