Serving Dorset officer dies after self-isolating
An officer serving with Dorset Police has died after going into self-isolation due to a suspected coronavirus infection, the force has announced.
The 56-year-old officer – who has not been named at this stage – died at his home in Bournemouth just before 10am today (March 30).
Anna Harvey, chair of Dorset Police Federation, said: “This is devastating news. 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. But it was one he was expert in and he had the respect of his colleagues.”
“We are there to look out for our colleagues who will be mourning this terrible news. And those family and loved ones he has left behind. We ask that their privacy is respected.”
The force said the officer had been unwell since Christmas with a chest infection. He had been off sick since March 19 and went into self-isolation following Covid-19 guidance from the NHS after displaying symptoms.
Chief Constable James Vaughan said: “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.”
