While policing remains top of the political agenda in the Assembly - with deadlock over the devolution of policing and justice powers continuing - the real human cost of policing the decades of violence in NI Troubles has been recalled.

A stained glass window honouring Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC) officers killed or injured has been dedicated in a ceremony at St Anne's Cathedral.

Families were joined by dignitaries - headed by the NIO Secretary of State Shaun Woodward - at a ceremony that was a "special opportunity to remember all the brave men and women who gave their lives to protect the community".

"This unique window gives us all a chance to reflect on the extraordinary sacrifice of these officers," he said.

The ceremony honoured all the officers who died or were injured as well as highlighting the work of the RUC George Cross Foundation.

A major theme of the memorial window is peace, and the design includes the force insignia and the George Cross.

Dean of Belfast, Houston McKelvey, told the congregation that the window should be a "focus of pilgrimage and prayer".

"I would suggest that your prayers to God will also include prayers of thankfulness for the overwhelming majority of the members of the RUC who down through the entire history of the force, regardless of provocation, insult or propaganda, upheld the law impartially and professionally."

Last month, a large group of former RUC members also gathered in St Columb's Cathedral in Londonderry for a moving and emotional remembrance of colleagues who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Up to 700 people attended the service, including senior police officers Paul Leighton and Judith Gillespie.

Londonderry DUP deputy mayor Maurice Devenney and DUP MLA George Robinson were also present.

The RUC George Cross (GC) Association also organised the now annual commemoration, which began with the branch standard being paraded into the cathedral before music performed by the Hamilton Flute Band.

A memorial tablet was re-dedicated in honour of members of the RUC who were killed in the region and the former 8th Infantry Brigade army area.

(BMcC)