`Well regarded` Police Interceptors officer dies

An officer who was a member of the team that took part in the television show Police Interceptors has died from cancer. Durham Constabulary PC Gavin Smith, 34, recently underwent treatment for cancer which had spread to his spine. Following his treatment, he returned to his home in Bishop Auckland where he passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday (February 15). PC Smith, from Whitley Bay, served with Durham Constabulary for 12 years and worked for the Roads Policing Unit. His colleagues had been fundraising to send him and his family away for a weekend, but this was not possible. The money raised so far will be passed on to his family. Inspector Ed Turner said: “Gav was extremely popular with colleagues and always had a smile on his face. “He really was a glass half-full kind of guy and even right towards the end he was thinking about other people and about supporting his family. “He will be sorely missed by all at the force.” PC Smith leaves his wife Kezi and four-year-old daughter Tilly. Mrs Smith said: “I would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support which has been overwhelming. “It has been a real comfort to both me and Tilly that he was so well regarded by so many. “We will both miss him so very much.” Police Interceptors is a documentary series that follows the work of officers involved in high-speed car chases. The television show has been following Durham Constabulary and Cleveland Police officers since 2015.