Birmingham mourns murdered policeman
The Roman Catholic community of Nechells in Birmingham will remember and pray for murdered Detective Constable Michael Swindells during a special Mass at 7pm on Wednesday, 26 June. Prayers during the Mass, at St Joseph's Church in Thimblemill Lane, will also be offered for the murdered policeman s wife and daughter, and colleagues in the West Midlands Police Force, especially those who serve in the neighbourhood. The Mass will be celebrated by the Very Reverend Canon Patrick Browne, Episcopal Vicar for Birmingham. All are welcome. Detective Constable Michael Swindells was stabbed to death on Friday morning, 21 May, while attempting to arrest a suspect following reports of a house burglary in Nechells. He was stationed at Queens Road police station in Aston. He had been in the force for almost 14 years. The Most Reverend Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Birmingham said: "I was dismayed to hear of the killing of Detective Constable Michael Swindells. All people of goodwill will be shocked by this murder." The Archbishop added: "We deeply appreciate the service offered by the police in the community but never more than at a time like this. I offer my prayer and condolences to the family and colleagues of Michael Swindells. May he rest in the peace of God." Source: Archdiocese of Birmingham