Coronavirus: British Transport Police officer, 53, dies

18 April 2020

A detective with British Transport Police (BTP) has died with coronavirus, the force has said.

Det Con John Coker, 53, who was based at Euston's criminal investigations department, leaves a wife and three children.

He was "charismatic, kind and thoughtful" and "much-loved and respected by all those he worked with", Chief Constable Paul Crowther said.

So far, more than 14,600 people with coronavirus have died in the UK.

In a statement, Mr Crowther said his thoughts were with Det Con Coker's family and colleagues.

He added: "John has been part of the BTP family for over a decade... he will be greatly missed by all in the force."

According to BTP, Mr Coker first fell ill on 22 March and was taken into intensive care after his health did not improve. He died on Friday.

'A powerhouse'

Tributes have also been paid to a Greater Manchester Police staff member, Marcia Pryce, 61, who died on 2 April after contracting coronavirus.

Ms Pryce worked for the force for more than 30 years.

Her sister Amira Asantewa said: "Marcia was a powerhouse, a positive influence in my life and the lives of the many people she knew and loved.

"She touched the lives of so many friends and colleagues over the years and made relationships that lasted a life time."