Big turnout for officer's funeral

The congregation of at least 420 people included scores of police officers who went to pay their respects to Inspector Andy Parr.

They included Chief Constable Martin Richards.

Officers in dress tunics and white gloves lined the approach to St Wilfrid's Church in Ellasdale Road where the funeral.

Among the pallbearers was Chief Inspector Jim Bartlett, district commander of the West Downs division.

The service was conducted by a close friend of the family, the Rev John Harrington, rector of Selsey.

Tributes to father-of-three Insp Parr, who killed himself at his Bognor home on May 21, were paid by several family members.

His wife, Zoe, said: "Andy was a wonderful husband, father, police officer and a friend to everyone.

"He was a kind, warm, honest and genuine man. There are no words that can express the emptiness he has left behind and we miss him so much."

Chief Superintendent Graham Bartlett, commander of the Brighton and Hove division, said: "Andy was a huge character and everyone who knew him has an 'Andy Parr story' which will remind them of the personal joy he brought to their lives."

Insp Parr had worked at Brighton during the 18 years he spent with Sussex Police. He began his career with the Metropolitan Police.

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