Flood death cop who loved bikes is buried

Tributes were paid today to PC Bill Barker, 44, whose funeral was attended by many of his biker friends, including one riding Barker’s own Kawasaki ZRX1200, today.

Barker was an enthusiastic motorcyclist and “stalwart” MAG member. His wife Hazel said in a statement: “He always put 110 per cent into his work but even when he came home exhausted, he would always make sure he had time for me and the kids.

“He had many hobbies but his greatest passions in life were his family, his friends and his motorbikes.”

Pc Barker, 44, and beat partner Mark Ormerod saved a man and his young son moments before a bridge in Workington collapsed into the River Derwent last Friday.

Earlier this year PC Barker took part in the Boundary 500 charity ride in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance.