Durham police mourn the loss of Police Interceptors colleague

Roads around Durham City will be blocked this morning, as Durham Constabulary mourn one of their officers.

The funeral of PC Gavin Smith, a regular feature on popular TV show “Police Interceptors”, takes place at the Cathedral today.

Born in Whitley Bay, Gavin joined Durham Constabulary in 2004, serving across Spennymoor, Barnard Castle, Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland before joining the Roads Policing Unit in 2016.

He leaves behind his wife, Kezi, and their 4-year-old daughter, Tilly.

Gav had recently undergone treatment for cancer which had spread to his spine. He was treated in hospital and was then allowed to return home to Bishop Auckland and received an escort from his colleagues.

Kezi 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.”

Ed Turner, Gavin’s inspector in the Road Policing Unit, 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.

“Gav was one of those characters who just put everybody at ease, no matter who was in his company.

“The station was always a more lively place when he was there, he had one of those infectious personalities.

“In Gav we have not only lost a dedicated police officer, but a true friend.

“He will be sorely missed by all at the force.”

His funeral, taking place in Durham Cathedral this morning, will see a procession and police escort from his house in Bishop Auckland,

It will go through the market place and up to Palace Green - with traffic around the area blocked from 9am.