Policeman drowns saving children

Mr Speakman was five weeks into a holiday in Australia

A police officer has drowned on holiday in Australia while rescuing three children swept out to sea.

Pc Jonny Speakman, 33, was bodyboarding - a type of surfing - near Sydney on Saturday when he was overcome by a strong current.

Eyewitnesses say Mr Speakman, from Hoole, Cheshire, was seen rescuing a child whom he had lifted on to a board.

"It does not surprise his family that Jonny gave his life to save a child," said his father Don.

The Constabulary as a whole is feeling the loss of such a promising officer and a popular person Chief Constable Peter Fahy

The accident happened as Mr Speakman was with five Australian friends and their children on Spoon Bay beach, north of Sydney.

Three children, aged in their early teens, and an adult friend were also caught in the tide.

Mr Speakman gave up his bodyboard and lifted one of the children on to it before launching him back to shore on a wave.

The children and the other man were rescued by emergency services. They were said to be unharmed but shocked.

Mr Speakman was five weeks into a trip to Australia. Married to Jenny, he had recently joined Warrington CID.

Cheshire's Chief Constable, Peter Fahy, said the force was mourning a fine officer.

Mr Fahy said: "His colleagues today at Warrington when hearing of his death were stunned and silent, not understanding how such a vibrant life could have been cut short.

'Keen sportsman'

"The Constabulary as a whole is feeling the loss of such a promising officer and a popular person.

"Our thoughts go out to Jonny's family whose grief is hard to imagine at this time."

His father, a retired police officer, added: "Jonny was a keen sportsman. A qualified football coach, he also played for Chester Boughton Hall Nomads, and was the second team captain.

"He will be missed not just by his family, but by everyone who knew him."