Nick Dumphreys: Cumbria Police officer dies in M6 crash

PC Nick Dumphreys was "extremely popular and respected", Cumbria Police said

A police officer has died in a motorway crash as he responded to an emergency call.

PC Nick Dumphreys, from Cumbria Police's road policing unit, died on the M6 near Carlisle at about 14:00 GMT on Sunday.

A force spokesman said PC Dumphreys, 47, was alone in a marked car and no other vehicles were involved.

In a statement, the father of two's family said his death "will leave an enormous hole in all our hearts".

They added: "He was a kind and loving husband and father. He was a larger than life character who loved his job and adored his children."

PC Dumphreys joined Cumbria Police in 2003 and Chief Constable Michelle Skeer described him as a "consummate professional".

She said his death had left everyone in the force "shocked and saddened".

"Nick was an extremely popular and respected officer, not least because of his professionalism, integrity and dedication to policing in Cumbria," she added.

The section of motorway was closed from 14:00 GMT on Sunday

PC Dumphreys was killed when his vehicle left the southbound carriageway between junctions 44 and 43.

Peter McCall, Cumbria's police and crime commissioner, said there was "profound sadness at the appalling and tragic loss".

"Nick died in the line of duty doing the job at which he excelled," he added.

The Central Motorway Police Group also tweeted: "I'm sure I speak on behalf of all our followers in sending our thoughts and prayers to the officer's colleagues, family and friends at this tragic time."

Paul Williams, chairman of Cumbria Police Federation, said: "We will work closely with the specialist officers investigating this incident and we will ensure that we do all that we can to support the officer's family and close colleagues during this tragic time."