Colleagues’ tributes to PC

Jan 11 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

TRIBUTES have been paid by colleagues to a police officer who was found dead at the wheel of his car days before he was due to retire.

Alan Roberts, 52, is believed to have died of heart failure. He was found in the Overpool Road area of Ellesmere Port.

Flags were at half mast at Cheshire Constabulary headquarters following the death last Thursday.

Mr Roberts leaves a wife, son and daughter and grandchildren.

Acting Chief

Superintendent Phil Charlton said: “Alan was a straightforward, down to earth, no nonsense police officer. He was a good man to have alongside you and dedicated much of his career in training officers to protect themselves in violent situations.

“Alan will be sadly missed within the Cheshire Constabulary and in the local community.

“A proud father and grandfather, our hearts go out to Alan's family.”

He joined the force in 1975 as a front line officer in Ellesmere Port.

He also became a nationally accredited Police Support Unit instructor.

His funeral will take place later this month.