Hundreds turn out for funeral of police chief who led Nicola Bulley investigation

Hundreds of people turned out to pay their respects ahead of the funeral of a police chief. Peter Lawson was Assistant Chief Constable at Lancashire Police when he died suddenly at his home earlier this month, aged 50.

A coroner has confirmed following the tragedy on December 10 that he died of natural causes. He has been described as an “outstanding officer who served the communities of Lancashire with pride”.

He was involved in the policing of many high-profile events and incidents during his career, from sporting occasions to protests and large civic and protection events. The assistant chief constable also gave evidence to the Manchester Arena Inquiry.

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He also recently led the investigation into the disappearance and death of Nicola Bulley and regularly appeared at press conferences regarding the search for the missing mum.

Today (Friday, December 29) his funeral was held at Charnock Richard Crematorium in Lancashire. Beforehand there was a sombre and moving guard and honour as the cortege passed outside Chorley Polce Station involving hundreds of uniformed officers and staff.

Supt Gary Crowe, Superintendent for Chorley, South Ribble and West Lancashire, saluted the cortege before it departed to the crematorium. Dozens of friends, colleagues and officers then joined members of his family at the funeral service.

Those in attendance included Chief Constable Chris Rowley, members of Lancashire Constabulary’s chief officer team, representatives from other regional