Police officer, 56, dies after self-isolating at home - Regional

The 56-year-old man, who served with Dorset Police, had been unwell since Christmas with a chest infection, the force said.

He had been off sick since March 18 and went into self-isolation after displaying symptoms.

Dorset Police said he died at home in Bournemouth just before 10am on Monday.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said the death was a ‘huge loss’.

‘He was 56-years-old and had been unwell since Christmas with a chest infection,’ Mr Vaughan said.

‘He had been off sick since Thursday 19 March and went into self-isolation following Covid-19 guidance from the NHS after displaying symptoms.

‘It is not yet confirmed if the death is Covid 19-related and I would strongly emphasise that it is too early to speculate on the circumstances surrounding his death.

‘We are all deeply saddened by the death. This is a huge loss to the police family and my thoughts and prayers are with the officer's family, friends and close friends, many of whom are Dorset Police colleagues.

‘I have relayed to them my deepest condolences.’

Anna Harvey, chairwoman of Dorset Police Federation, described the man as a ‘popular, well-respected custody sergeant’.

‘This is devastating news,’ she said.

‘The thoughts of Dorset Police officers are with our colleague's family, friends and loved ones and close colleagues at this terrible time.

‘Our colleague was a popular, well-respected custody sergeant, one of the most difficult and challenging police roles.’