British tsunami policeman killed

Kevin Brinkman had been identifying victims of the tsunami

A British policeman helping to identify victims of the Asian tsunami has been killed in a minibus crash in Thailand.

Pc Kevin Brinkman, a 33-year-old officer with Cheshire Police, was part of the British police response team sent to the disaster area.

Two other officers from the same force were also injured in the accident on Phuket, one of them seriously.

Cheshire Police confirmed relatives of those involved had been contacted and further evidence is being gathered.

'Difficult work'

Cheshire's Chief Constable Peter Fahy said the job of identifying victims of the Asian tsunami in itself was "a very distressing and difficult task".

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time, it is difficult to comprehend what they must be going through Chief Constable Peter Fahy

"This tragic event will make it harder for their colleagues to continue carrying out that task," he added.

Mr Fahy said Pc Brinkman was "a fine officer" and that the news had left many officers and staff "stunned".

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time, it is difficult to comprehend what they must be going through," he added.

Kevin Brinkman had been a serving policeman for 11 years, joining the constabulary in 1994.

He had recently served with the Community Action Team based in Warrington.

In 2002 he was presented with a commendation for bravery after he arrested two armed thieves who were holding up a jeweller's shop in Stockton Heath.