Essex Police Marine officer dies with coronavirus
Tributes have been paid to Toby Speller
Tributes have been paid to an Essex Police Marine officer, after he died at the weekend.
Special Constable Toby Speller volunteered for more than 16 years with the force before he died over the weekend.
The news was confirmed by Essex Police on Twitter, as they described him as a "dedicated, professional officer".
The Essex Police marine unit tweeted a picture of SC Speller with a message urging people to follow coronavirus regulations.
It said:
"We are devastated to say we lost one of our Marine Officers to Covid 19 on Saturday.
"Rest well Toby, we will take it from here.
"Our thoughts& prayers are with his family.
"Please everyone Adhere to government regulations to help save lives. This virus has no respect for age & Health."
The tweet was shared by Home Secretary Priti Patel and the chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), John Apter, while many others posted messages of condolence.
Essex Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington said he spent time with SC Speller last month.
He tweeted:
"He was passionate about being part of @EssexSpecials averaging 700hrs a year & an inspiration to many.
"My thoughts & prayers with his wife, children, friends & colleagues. Rest in peace Toby & thx you for your service #StayHomeSaveLives."
The Metropolitan Police special constabulary said:
"Such terrible news. The whole Special Constabulary family send our thoughts and prayers."