grey plaque · London

PC Stephen Tibble

Placeholder for PC Stephen Tibble grey plaque

The grey plaque for PC Stephen Tibble honours a Metropolitan Police Service officer who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. Unarmed, he was pursuing an individual through West Kensington when he was deliberately shot. This memorial serves to mark the precise spot where this devastating event occurred, ensuring that the sacrifice made by PC Tibble on 26th February 1975 is remembered and acknowledged within the community he served. The plaque stands as a quiet but poignant reminder of the dangers faced by police officers and the ultimate price that can be paid in the performance of their duties, leaving a lasting testament to his service.

The memorial to PC Stephen Tibble, established in West Kensington, reflects a tradition of public remembrance for individuals who have fallen during their service to the community, particularly within law enforcement. Such markers often emerge from the desire to acknowledge personal sacrifice amidst wider societal events, in this instance related to political violence that sometimes extended its reach to London during the 1970s. These local plaques typically serve as focal points for personal reflection rather than extensive historical detailing, grounding significant public events in specific, relatable locations. The act of placing a plaque at the exact site of a tragedy allows for a very direct form of remembrance, connecting passer-bys with a moment of historical solemnity.

This commemorative plaque can be found on Charleville Road in West Kensington, London W14. Visitors to the area will easily locate the grey plaque which is affixed to a building, marking the spot where PC Stephen Tibble fell. There is no specific park or open ground; the plaque is situated within the urban environment of West Kensington. The site is accessible year-round, and respectful visitation is encouraged. As it is on a public road, no special arrangements are required for viewing, allowing for quiet contemplation at any time during daylight hours.

Inscription

“Here fell PC Stephen Tibble 26th February 1975”
Transcribed from the grey plaque at Charleville Road.

Background

The service of PC Stephen Andrew Tibble within the Metropolitan Police is remembered today for the immense courage he displayed while on duty in London. His life was brought to a sudden, tragic conclusion during an attempt to apprehend an individual in West Kensington. As an officer carrying no firearm, his actions that day remain a stark reflection of the profound risks frequently faced by those dedicated to maintaining public safety in the capital.

His memory continues to be honoured by those who recognise the sacrifice made by officers serving the community. The events of February 1975, which involved an encounter with an operative linked to the Provisional Irish Republican Army, marked a difficult chapter for the force. Today, he is commemorated for his commitment to his role and for the ultimate price he paid in the course of his professional responsibilities.

Original summary by TributeLegacy, informed by public sources.

Source: Open Plaques. Geographic data via OpenStreetMap.

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Data sources

Location records are drawn from open, licence-clean datasets, kept here with attribution and gratitude to the people who maintain them.

  • Open Plaques, dedicated to the public domain (CC0). See openplaques.org.
  • Wikidata, available under the CC0 1.0 Universal dedication.
  • © OpenStreetMap contributors, available under the Open Database Licence.
  • Historic England, National Heritage List for England, used under the Open Government Licence v3.0. War memorial records are drawn from open community datasets (OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, NHLE) - never from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which is excluded.

Editorial descriptions, photography and tribute links are original TributeLegacy work, layered on top of the open data.

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