Tribute to officer killed by car

Pc Pratt was killed diverting traffic following a crash

The family of a police officer killed as he tried to divert traffic following a crash have described him as a big-hearted man.

Pc Phillip Pratt, 26, died in hospital in east London after being hit by a vehicle on the A249 at Bobbing, near Sittingbourne, on 14 June.

Fiancee Debbie O'Neill said the family had been overwhelmed by the number of cards and letters from people.

Flags at police stations in Kent were flown at half mast following his death.

Pc Pratt was hit Peugeot 206 while he was putting out cones to divert traffic following an accident near Bobbing.

He was a former pupil of Minster College and was one of the first officers on the scene at the school when a heating duct collapsed in May, injuring 11 children.

Ms O'Neill, from Hempstead, who has two sons Danny, 14, and Liam, 10, met Pc Pratt when they both worked for Kent Police force communications six-and-a-half years ago.

'Sense of humour'

She said: "Phill had a very naughty sense of humour and was well-known for his pranks.

"One of the biggest parts of his personality was his ability to make everybody laugh all the time. He was one of the funniest people I have ever met in my life.

"There was always a point of each and every day that he would have me laughing so hard that my sides hurt. He was spontaneous and he enjoyed bringing a smile to people's faces."

Ms O'Neill, who now works for the Police Benevolent Fund, said: "Phill did as much for Danny and Liam as any father would. He was an integral part of their lives and they are devastated."

Pc Pratt joined Kent Police as a staff employee in 2001 before becoming an officer in 2005.

His sister Julia said: "He was a larger-than-life character.

"He died protecting others. We are all very proud of him."

Kent Police said Pc Pratt had received numerous letters of thanks from the public and commendations from his local commanders during his time with the force.

Ch Insp Tony Henley, borough commander for Swale, said Pc Pratt had been "an enthusiastic and popular member of the mid-Kent policing team".

He added: "There has been an immense feeling of loss and great sadness about his death, not only in his station, Sheerness, but within Kent Police and the national policing family."