A DIGNIFIED hush descended on the streets of Gravesend on Thursday as the funeral cortege of Assistant Chief Constable David McCann moved slowly through the town.

Mr McCann, 41, died at Darent Valley Hospital at Dartford on Saturday, July 17, after suffering a heart attack at home. He was married with two children.

About 70 young trainee police officers in ceremonial uniform stood quietly by the roadside in the blazing heat with their heads bowed. The shock of losing their young, popular police chief was apparent on many of the faces.

At 11.50am the hearse appeared along Milton Road on its journey from Shorne towards St John the Evangelist Church in Gravesend's Parrock Street.

In front, a single police motorcycle led the way and behind came two cars carrying mourners. As the clock tower struck 12noon the hearse pulled up outside the church and eight officers, eyes fixed straight ahead, stepped forward to lift the coffin. Mr McCann's hat was positioned significantly on top.

As they disappeared into the full church the heavy doors shut on the crowd outside allowing the family and friends of ACC McCann privacy conducted by Father Joe Smith.

Earlier preparations had started from around 10am. Sniffer dogs had checked phone boxes while officers handed out water to those in ceremonial dress.

Bollards were placed along Milton Road before it and Parrock Street were temporarily closed to allow the solemn procession access to and from the church.

Among the mourners was Chief Constable Mike Fuller, along with other serving and former chief officers, colleagues and friends.

The Chief Constable has described Mr McCann as an officer of the highest calibre.

After the service Mr Fuller said: "This funeral has been a very moving experience. It has provided an opportunity for a very close force of police officers to pay their respects to David McCann. David McCann gave so much to the force.

"He loved his work and he loved life. His work will continue and he will be sadly missed."

The Chief Constable added that the force would be offering Mr McCann's family its full support. He also spoke to KM-fm about his former colleague...