The families of Britain’s fallen police officers have backed a fresh push to honour all those suffering devastating injuries in the line of duty. Any killed while protecting the public receive the newly introduced Elizabeth Emblem but there is still no official recognition for the brave officers who survive – often with life-changing wounds.

       Now a powerful campaign led by former Sussex officer Tom Curry, 74, has demanded justice for these forgotten heroes.

       His fight has won the backing of the loved ones of officers in some of Britain’s most notorious police tragedies – involving PCs Fiona Bone, David Rathband and Sharon Beshenivsky – as well as the support of 103 cross-party MPs.

       Paul Bone, whose 32-year-old daughter was one of two Greater Manchester officers murdered by Dale Cregan in a gun and grenade ambush in 2012, pleaded with the Government to honour all seriously injured officers.

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       “Sadly, in a given year a number of officers die in the line of duty,” he said. “Their loved ones are awarded the Elizabeth Emblem – yet a far greater number are injured in the line of duty.

       “In many cases the injuries are so serious those officers are forced to retire on medical grounds.

       “In too many cases, the family and friends of the officer will endure the heartbreak of not knowing whether their loved one will survive or not.

       “Many who do survive have life-changing injuries which causes stress and anxiety for the family and friends of the officer who are left to care for them.”

       He added: “I was spared that stress, I knew my daughter had died – but for all those waiting by the bedside hoping for recovery the agony of the wait should be acknowledged.

       “When I hear of officers injured in the line of duty, my heart goes out to them, their family and friends.

       “I urge the Government to consider awarding an injury medal to officers who are medically discharged as a result of injuries sustained on duty.”

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       PC David Rathband was shot in the face and blinded by fugitive Newcastle gunman Raoul Moat during a murderous rampage in 2010.

       The 44-year-old took his life two years later. Despite his bravery he was never awarded any posthumous medal because his death was not directly in the line of duty. David’s twin brother Darren said those injured deserve recognition.

       “These brave individuals put their lives on the line every day to ensure our safety and uphold the law, often facing situations that put them at great risk,” he said.

       “It is essential we honour not only their bravery but also the sacrifices they and their families make.

       “While we may express our gratitude through words, it is equally important to take actionable steps to provide them with the recognition they deserve.”

       He added: “Although the King has approved the Elizabeth Emblem, this is not enough for those who are injured and retired through injury.

       “By recognising the courage of those who risk everything for our community, we reinforce the values of respect and gratitude that underpin our society.”

       In March last year, the then-Government announced police, firefighters and other service workers who died in the line of duty would receive the Elizabeth Emblem – a posthumous award for their service.

       There is no equivalent honour for injured officers – other than rare gallantry awards such as the George Cross.

       While PC Sharon Beshenivsky, 38, was finally honoured after being shot dead by armed robbers in Bradford in 2005, there remains no equivalent recognition for her surviving colleague Teresa Milburn, now 56.

       Paul Beshenivsky, aged just seven when his mother was killed, said: “Finally after 19 years my murdered mum and others have received long-awaited recognition in the form of the Elizabeth Emblem.

       “Sadly those like her wounded police partner Teresa Milburn, who narrowly escaped death but survived, remain overlooked and still receive nothing whatsoever.

       “They too deserve proper recognition for their health sacrifice.”

       Tom Curry, who suffered a life-changing injury in 1989 after being attacked by a mob in Hastings, Sussex, said: “This

       campaign seeks medal recognition for those who barely escape with their lives but suffer life-changing injuries and forfeit their careers.”

       Last night, a Government spokesperson said: “The Elizabeth Emblem recognises those public servants who have lost their lives in the course of their duty.

       “The Government is happy to consider the case for any new medal or award, subject to comprehensive assessment across relevant departments.”