A solemn tribute will be paid on Friday by police to mark the eighth anniversary of the death of PC Jon Odell in Margate.

He was killed in a hit and run accident on December 19, 2000, while on duty in Shottendane Road, where a permanent memorial to his memory is sited at the roadside. It was erected in 2002 by the Police Memorial Trust.

The ceremony will be attended by Chief Insp John Molloy and officers and staff from east Kent.

PC George Allum was working with PC Odell in the six-strong team on the night of the accident. He said: “We were putting the equipment back in the van and Jon said he would do one last check. I heard him say: 'He’s coming for me’.”

PC Allum said PC Odell was a popular officer who loved his job.

Wayne Rule was charged with manslaughter and sentenced to nine years in prison. He was released in May 2006.

In November Margate police headquarters main building was renamed Odell House in memory of the officer.