Police officer, 47, killed in M6 crash was a ‘loving husband and dad who adored his children’
A COP who died in a crash while on duty yesterday has been named as a "loving" 47-year-old dad.
PC Nick Dumphreys was killed in a smash on the M6 - with his family and officers paying tribute to him today.
His patrol car crashed and reportedly burst into flames while he was responding to an blue-light call.
Emergency services declared a "major incident" as the horror 2pm smash on Sunday closed the M6 in both directions near Carlisle, Cumbria.
His family paid tribute today, saying: "Nick was a kind and loving husband and father. He was a larger than life character who loved his job and adored his children.
“His passing will leave an enormous hole in all our hearts.
“We would like to thank everyone for their condolences, help and support over the last 24 hours but we would ask now for some time and privacy to come to terms with what has happened.”
Cumbria Constabulary’s Chief Constable Michelle Skeer added: “The sudden death of Police Constable Nick Dumphreys has left everyone within the Constabulary shocked and saddened.
“Nick was an extremely popular and respected officer, not least because of his professionalism, integrity and dedication to policing in Cumbria.
“Colleagues who worked closely with him would describe him as a consummate professional who you could always rely on. He was a big character with an even bigger heart who always put other people first.
“Our thoughts are particularly with his family today who are devastated at his loss, particularly his wife Kat and his young children.”
HORROR SMASH
Witnesses claimed the car veered off the road and went down a ditch running parallel to the southbound carriageway.
A heroic passerby reportedly jumped in to try to save him and was joined by emergency services shortly after. No other vehicles were involved.
A source near the scene told they had seen the patrol car on fire.
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Tributes poured into the force's social media channels expressing grief and condolences for the family and the officer's colleagues at Cumbria Constabulary.
The northbound lanes reopened around 9.30pm and the southbound carriageway reopened half an hour later at 10pm as the investigation continued, Highways England said.
An investigation is underway with support from a neighbouring force into the collision and anyone with information can contact officers on 101.
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