THE family of a former police deputy chief constable from Lymm have announced the details of his funeral.

John Stalker - who was one of the country’s top policemen during the 1970s and 80s - died on Friday, February 15, at the age of 79.

The Lymm resident famously headed up the Stalker Inquiry, a police investigation into the shootings of a number of suspected IRA members in the 1980s.

And his funeral will take place at St Peter’s Church on Oughtrington Lane at 10.45am on Friday, March 1.

This will be followed by a private family service, with donations to St Rocco’s Hospice requested rather than flowers.

Paying tribute to her dad, Mr Stalker’s eldest daughter Colette Cartwright said: “Our dad John was a beloved husband, grandfather and great-grandfather who enriched the lives of many.

“After marrying my dear mum Stella in 1961 he spent his life as a devoted police officer, proudly serving the people of Greater Manchester for over 30 years.

“He is fondly remembered by many as going above and beyond the call of duty and was committed to making a difference for those most in need.

Warrington Guardian:

John Stalker at Cotebrook House in Lymm in 2005

“My dad will be sorely missed by all lives he has touched both professionally and personally.

“We will always be proud of him and everything he achieved - we love him and will miss him so much.”

Having investigated the Moors murders and studied policing around the world, Mr Stalker also became a TV presenter and wrote for a number of national newspapers including the Sunday Times, Sunday Express, Daily Telegraph and the Sun.

His autobiography Stalker went on to become a best-seller – shifting more than 400,000 copies worldwide.