The detective who led the James Bulger murder investigation has died.
Albert Kirby headed up Merseyside Police’s taskforce which brought the toddler’s killers Robert Thompson and Jon Venables to justice for the senseless 1993 killing.
He also read a lesson at James’s funeral at the family’s request and remained a source of strength to them in the years following the trial at Preston Crown Court.
A Queen’s Police Medal was awarded in 1994 for his work on the case.
Former Detective Superintendent Kirby continued to follow developments including the European Court of Human Rights appeal to the killers’ parole hearings.
Following retirement in 1998, his expertise were sought both as a consultant to ITV News and in working with master’s students on criminal psychology courses.
His family confirmed that he passed away on Wednesday (October 29) after a short illness and paid tribute to “a man of deep integrity and loyalty who will be mourned by many”.
“In addition to his outstanding work as a detective over many years, Albert Kirby was much loved by his family, who are deeply saddened by his loss,” read a Times obituary.
“To us he will be remembered as a kind and gentle husband, father and grandfather.”