A TOTAL of 10 people have been arrested this year in connection with the murder of Pc Keith Blakelock, the Metropolitan Police revealed today ahead of a memorial service to mark the 25th anniversary of his killing.

Pc Blakelock, originally from Sunderland, was hacked to death during the Broadwater Farm riots in Tottenham, north London, in October 1985.

Police said detectives were beginning to build a clearer picture of the night of the attack and the re-investigation had moved into the arrest phase.

Detective Superintendent John Sweeney, leading the murder inquiry, said: "When I was given the responsibility for re-investigating this murder, I made a personal promise to Keith's widow, Elizabeth, and their sons. I promised to do my utmost to identify and bring to justice those responsible for killing Keith.

"The investigation team continues to strive to achieve this goal and today I am asking for the public's help.

"Keith's sons and grandchildren are due to be present at the memorial today. Elizabeth has had to bring up their sons without him. This must have been a daunting task for her but she has been extremely successful. Her sons are a credit to both Elizabeth and themselves, all growing up to be sons that any father would be proud of and I have no doubt Keith is.

"We can only imagine the pain the Blakelock family must feel from losing a loved one in such devastating circumstances.

"Receiving no answers for 25 years can only add to their sadness and frustration. It is incredibly important they are given the answers and closure that they yearn for and deserve."

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said one suspect was arrested in March, two in May, three in June, two in July and two in September. All have been released on police bail.

The arrests include a 41-year-old man, originally from the Tottenham area, who was detained on suspicion of murder. Two other men, aged 46 and 52, were also arrested on suspicion of murder at separate north London addresses. All three are due to report back to police in November.