Officer who was shot dead by gunman

In the early hours of 15 February, 1970, Inspector Taylor and other officers attended the scene of a burglar alarm activation at a factory at Pudsey where, unknown to the police, a safe-blower armed with explosives and a sawn-off shotgun had already shot dead the night-watchman. On arrival the police surrounded the premises and the 30-year-old Inspector climbed over the factory gates and was searching the yard where he confronted the gunman who shot him at close range, killing him.

His killer was convicted of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 30 years; he died in prison 30 years later.

Barry joined the former West Riding Constabulary in April 1959, serving at Harrogate before promotion to Sergeant at Batley in 1965 and Inspector at Brighouse in 1967; he had only taken up duties at Pudsey a few weeks earlier.

He was survived by his wife, three year old son and four month old daughter.

He was posthumously awarded the Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct.