PSNI Chief on McGuinness: '˜Martin's journey in life challenges us all'

Mr Hamilton said: “I was saddened to hear of the death of former Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness. I extend the sympathies of the Police Service to his wife and family at this sad time.

“Our society suffered grievously throughout our troubled history; and many police officers and their families are among those who suffered.”

According to the book ‘Lost Lives’ which records Troubles deaths, between 1966 and 2006, the IRA killed 273 members of the RUC or the RUC reserve (as well as six police officers in Great Britain).

Mr Hamilton continued: “But Martin McGuinness believed in a better future for our community; and this is a vision shared by policing.

“Martin’s journey in life challenges all of us who care about the future; to be prepared to change; to demonstrate leadership; and to work to understand the world, not just from our own perspective, but from the perspectives of everyone in our community.”