Born in Sunderland, PC Blakelock, a community policeman in London, was killed during the Broadwater farm Estate riot in Tottenham. Despite nationwide concern and ongoing investigations, his murder has not been solved. Three men were arrested for the crime, but later released when fabricated evidence was discovered. Blakelock is commemorated by a plaque in Muswell Hill, London, his usual patrol area.

Keith Blakelock was posthumously awarded the Queen's Gallantry Medal. One of his three children, a son, joined the Durham Police in 2000.