A PROMINENT Thurrock community policeman has spoken of his shock and sadness following the sudden death of an Essex force colleague he worked with.

PC Ewan Smith was in his 30s and married with three young children.

Sgt Ben Forbes, who manages Thurrock's town centre police teams, said: "I am absolutely shocked and saddened by this very sad news.

"Ewan was and will always remain, a top cop and guy. Someone who always helped colleagues, including me and will be missed by all.

"My thoughts are with Ewan's family."

Other officers across the county have paid tribute to PC Smith whose death is death is not being linked to coronavirus.

Steve Taylor, Chairman of Essex Police Federation, said: "The thoughts of Essex Police officers and the police family across the country are with Ewan's wife and children, his wider family, friends and close colleagues.

Steve added: "I was lucky enough to work with Ewan during my police service on numerous support calls, and it's good times like that which we remember when we lose colleagues as suddenly as we have lost Ewan.

"Policing is a family and when we lose one of our own, we rally together to support each other as best we can. We are there to look out for our colleagues who will be mourning this terrible news and we will also of course be supporting his wife and children at this horrendous time."