Adopted rhino tribute for killed police officer

A police officer from the Midland has adopted a rhino in memory of her brother who was killed on duty.

Det Sgt Stephanie Bradley, of Wolverhampton Police, has been allocated the animal by bosses at West Midland Safari Park in Bewdley.

Her brother, Pc Ryan Hunt — nicknamed "Rhino" by rugby teammates — died after being hit by a skip lorry while on an undercover operation in Doncaster in 2006.

Sophie, a six-year-old Indian rhino, will still be looked after by the park but Det Sgt Bradley can visit it whenever she wants to.

It came about after the 40-year-old raised £3,700 for Care of Police Survivors — a charity that supports families of officers who have died in service.

The £3,700 was raised through a raffle organised by Det Sgt Bradley — and the safari park had provided five day tickets as prizes.

She was amazed when her ticket was drawn out, and it had the number 0951 — her brother's old collar number.

She said: "It seemed like a sign that out of 3,700 tickets mine would be drawn out, and it would have that number.

"That was when the safari park decided it would be nice to do something in Ryan's memory."

The safari park has offered the rhino free for 12 months in Pc Hunt's memory.

Pc Hunt, was originally from Cheslyn Hay but working at Thornhill police station, Handsworth.

He was a former Cheslyn Hay High School pupil and picked up his nickname playing for Willenhall Rugby Club.