‘True top cop’ Darren Martin dies aged 36

Tributes have been pouring in for a police officer who died while off duty at the age of 36.

Force friends and former colleagues from home and abroad saluted Humberside Police Constable Darren Martin for his dedication and professionalism, likening him to ex-Liverpool and England football captain Steven Gerrard.

The Scunthorpe-based officer served almost 10 years in the force before his death on Wednesday, August 5.

Humberside Police Chief Superintendent Judi Heaton said: “We are truly saddened by the death of PC Martin.

“He was a very popular officer within Humberside who achieved a great deal during his nine-year career working in a variety of roles.

“PC Martin was well respected by all his colleagues and the communities he served. He was renowned for his happy character, excellent proactive policing and the professional manner in which he managed people and incidents.”

Dozens of tributes to PC Martin have been posted on the Humberside Police Federation Facebook page.

“Humberside Police have lost a true top cop who would always go the extra mile,” said Teresa Fisher-Haggar.

She added: “We have sadly and far too early lost not only a colleague but a cheerful, genuine and fun-loving friend. You will always be remembered and missed by many.”

Another colleague posted: “You were Humberside Police`s very own `Stevie G`.”

A chance meeting and a chat in the Canary Islands a few years ago with Darren helped Dutchman Jaap Molenaar over joining the police force in the Netherlands.

“He helped make my decision and I am thankful for that,” Jaap posted. “Reading this news breaks my heart. The water and distance between our countries don`t mean anything.

“We are colleagues, we are brothers in blue. We have the same standards and values and because of that I feel like I have lost a brother. My thoughts are with his family at home and his family at the police department.”

John Blakey said of the police constable, who leaves a fiancé Kirsty and parents: “Rest peacefully and thank you for all you did for the people whose lives you touched.”

A JustGiving page has been set up to raise £5,000 to support PC Martin`s family and so far more than £4,000 has been raised.

Donate at https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/PC2421MARTIN