A nation mourns at funeral of fallen officer PC Dave Phillips

The funeral of PC David Phillips, whose death shocked the nation, is taking place this lunchtime.

More than 1,000 police officers from across the UK are lining the route as the procession makes its way through the streets of Liverpool to the Anglican Cathedral for the service at 12 noon.

Mourners will be led by the 34-year-old father of two’s widow Jen and the cortege is being fronted by the pipes and drums band of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and officers from Merseyside Police`s Mounted division on horseback.

Home Secretary Theresa May and Merseyside Police Chief Constable Sir Jon Murphy are also due to join the cortege.

The procession entered the Strand at 11am, pausing as it passes Merseyside Police headquarters – where his colleagues at work will watch the procession.

The cathedral service will be led by Rev Lyndon Bannon, assistant priest at Willaston Christ Church. The Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Rev Paul Bayes will give the blessing.

Rev Bayes will speak of the “stark reminder” of the dangers of those who serve in the police force.

PC Phillips` sister, Hannah, and Sir Jon Murphy will read a tribute, along with his colleague Dave Lamont.

His best friend, Dave George, who led tributes at a press conference following his death, will deliver a Bible reading.

PC Phillips died after a pick-up vehicle mounted a central reservation and struck him in Wallasey on October 5 – the first officer killed on duty form 40 years.

Five people have been charged in connection with his death, including Clayton Williams, 18, from Wallasey, who is charged with murder.

A fund set up in memory of the Wirral police officer has moved past the £200,000 mark.