A blue plaque has been unveiled by Brighton mayor Brian Fitch to commemorate Henry Solomon, the first chief officer of Brighton Borough Police and the only one to have died on duty.

Mr Solomon was appointed in 1838 and commanded 31 officers for six years but he was attacked with a poker in his office by a petty thief, John Lawrence, on March 13, 1844, and died a day later of his wounds.

The plaque which is in the front of the town hall, above his former office, was approved by Brighton & Hove Commemorative Plaque Panel. David Padwick, the current chief inspector said: “Henry Solomon was a very brave man, the only chief officer to have died on duty.”

The total cost of the plaque was £1,200. Half was met by the police and the rest of the money is being contributed by 12 Jewish organisations.

Mr Solomon was vice-president of the Brighton Hebrew Congregation and the son-in-law of Emanuel Hyam Cohen,the founder of the Brighton Jewish Community.

He is buried in Florence Place Jewish Cemetery in the city.