A financial reward will be given to the family of a Beijing policeman killed when he was run over by a getaway van last week to honor his bravery.

According to China Daily, half of the one million yuan (US$123,000) compensation will come from the victim Wu Baoshan's insurance policy, while the remainder will be paid by the city's public security bureau.

Sources from the bureau said the amount was "among the highest " for a police officer killed in the line of duty in recent years.

Wu, 46, was struck by the van as he tried to apprehend the robbers at Songhua Salvage Station in southern Beijing's Daxing District at about 2:10?AM last Thursday.

Ten policemen, including Wu, were dispatched to the site following reports that a group of seven people were stealing copper and aluminium. Wu, who had served with the police force for 26 years, was killed when the raiders sped off in their van.

The seven suspected robbers were apprehended 24 hours later. They face severe punishments, including possible death sentences.

The compensation will be used to cover tuition fees for Wu's daughter, a student in her second year at Beijing Institute of Civil Engineering and Architecture, and family living expenses.

His parents will also rely on the money for their medical care.

Tian Xiangdong, a policeman who witnessed Wu's death, said his colleague was very brave facing the robbers.

"He charged forward regardless of personal safety when he saw the robbers," Tian said.

"He fulfilled his duty," he said with tears in eyes.

Other colleagues described Wu as a very "upright and sober-minded person."

"He didn't say much, but every word of his was well to the point," said local police chief Zhou Baoxiang.

He added that Wu was a very family-orientated man, who spent as much time as possible at home when not working.

(China Daily January 19, 2006)