POLICE officers from the North-East have stood shoulder to shoulder with their Canadian counterparts at the funeral of an officer gunned down in the line of duty.

Tributes have been paid to PC John Davidson, formerly of Northumbria Police, who was shot while serving in Abbotsford earlier this month.

John, who joined Northumbria Police in 1993, worked as a 24/7 response officer in Byker and North Shields and as a motor patrols officer before he left in 2006 for Canada.

Temporary Chief Constable Winton Keenen, Inspector Jim Gray, chairman of Northumbria Police Federation, and Detective Constable Keith Howells joined the thousands of mourners for the funeral service at the Abbotsford Centre on Sunday.

In his eulogy, Abbotsford Police Chief Bob Rich told the crowd the story of a Mustang reported stolen two days ago spotted that day at a strip-mall parking lot, of a call to police, of a man drawing a rifle and of Davidson falling to the ground.

He said: “A shot rings out and John falls. When that shot rang out, blackness fell on a sunny day in Abbotsford.”

Speaking after the funeral, Mr Keenan said: “When you join Northumbria Police you become a member of the force family and you remain so when you leave.

“It was therefore a great honour and privilege to represent the force and wider Northumbria community at John’s funeral on Sunday.

“It is also important that at such times of tragedy, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our colleagues and take strength from each other.

“We must all take the time to reflect on the sacrifice John made while going about the duty of public service we all hold so very close to our hearts.”

During the service, Mr Keenen presented a book of condolence, signed by John’s former colleagues and friends, to his wife Denise and children Fay, Dina and Drew.

He added: “Our sympathies go to John’s family and friends and I hope they can take some comfort from knowing how much he was liked and respected as an officer. ”

A Canadian flag was draped over John’s casket during the service, with a Northumbria Police helmet sat alongside that of the Canadian force. There are plans to add John’s name to Northumbria Police’s Memorial Garden at Middle Engine Lane.