"He was a young man who exemplified the best of his generation"

Mr Blair was clearly moved as he described the 26-year-old as a "remarkable and exceptional human being".

The Prime Minister, whose son Euan was arrested for being drunk and incapable on Wednesday night, put his own problems to one side for the official unveiling of a memorial to PC Tooley yesterday.

Mr Blair addressed more than 300 family, friends and colleagues of the young officer at the spot where he was run over by a van during a routine traffic check at Shoreham in April last year.

A police band struck up a moving melody as Mr Blair arrived. A photograph of PC Tooley faced the crowd, with many people struggling to contain their emotions. Flowers were placed in front of the stone memorial as the gathering stood in silence.

The ceremony was organised by film director Michael Winner, chairman of the Police Memorial Trust, who was with the Prime Minister.

Also present was PC Tooley's father Barry, mother Veronica and brothers, Russell and Chris.

Exceptional Mr Blair said: "At one level he was an ordinary police officer, but on another he was an exceptional human being.

"He was a young man who exemplified the best of his generation, just the sort of police officer you would wish to come across if you needed help. A professional with a strong belief in public service."