COLLEAUGUES have paid tribute to a dedicated and committed policeman who died suddenly while on holiday. Sergeant Richard Jones, who held positions in Baldock, Stevenage and Hitchin before joining Royston police in December, died unexpectedly last week

COLLEAUGUES have paid tribute to a "dedicated and committed" policeman who died suddenly while on holiday.

Sergeant Richard Jones, who held positions in Baldock, Stevenage and Hitchin before joining Royston police in December, died unexpectedly last week while on holiday in Devon with his partner. He was 44.

The experienced policeman, who is survived by two teenage daughters, had served with Hertfordshire Police for the last three years, after spells with the Essex and Bedfordshire constabularies.

Eastern area superintendant Cheryl Boyce said: "Obviously Richard's family and friends are absolutely devastated by their sudden and tragic loss and our thoughts are with them as this sad time.

"Richard was dedicated and committed to policing throughout his career. He will be sorely missed by many.