Tribute to 'copper's copper'

By Mat Trewern
BBC News, Manchester

Hundreds of officers from Greater Manchester Police attended the service

The rain poured down in Manchester as Michael Todd's widow Carolyn and their three children arrived for what was a difficult day for the family.

A dozen police officers formed a guard of honour as thousands came to say a final goodbye to the Greater Manchester police chief, who was once tipped to be England's top officer.

Outside Manchester Cathedral the bells were ringing, the sound of the police band rang out and members of the public stood at the gates to say their final farewells.

Inside, every inch of the cathedral was taken up with seating for the guests who had been invited to celebrate the officer's life.

Plasma screens had been put up to allow those at the back a better view of the tributes being paid to a man described as a "copper's copper".

His family were led into church by acting chief constable Dave Whatton, who later paid tribute to his former chief during the service.

Carolyn Todd arrived at the cathedral with the couple's children

He said: "I knew Michael was very very proud of his family and loved all of you very very much.

"One of Michael's favourite sayings was, 'I'm not a politician, I'm just a simple policeman. He wasn't, he was nationally significant."

Senior police officers including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Ian Blair and the London forces' Asst Chief Constable and former Eccles chief inspector Tarique Ghaffur - the country's most senior black officer - were at the service.

Rank and file officers from Greater Manchester were also able to watch the service as it was screened in several police offices in the region.

In Manchester's Exchange Square, about 75 people braved the rain to watch the service live on the BBC Big Screen.

One woman watching the service said she thought it was very moving.

"I think his daughter has got great courage, and his wife. She had us all in tears."

Others said it was a "lovely" service and praised those who paid tribute to the police chief.