Tributes paid to police officer

The accident happened on the A47 at Scarning

Norfolk's Chief Constable Andy Hayman has paid tribute to a police officer who died following a traffic accident.

Police Constable Bernie Brown, 47, died after his car crashed into a fence by the A47 at Scarning, near Dereham at 0200 BST on Friday.

At a press conference on Sunday, Mr Hayman said Pc Brown would be "sadly missed by his friends, colleagues and the local community".

He said: "It is with much sadness that Norfolk Constabulary announces the death of Bernie Brown.

When a tragic incident like this happens it impacts on colleagues right across the force Jim Wilson, chairman of Norfolk Police Authority

"Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife Linda and their three children Paul, Nichola and Thomas."

Pc Brown joined Norfolk Constabulary as a Police Cadet at the age of just 16.

He served his whole police service in Norfolk - the last 15 years as a local beat officer in Swaffham.

'Testament of his commitment'

Mr Hayman added: "He was indeed known as Mr Swaffham. I think that is a testament of his commitment, his hard work and enthusiasm to serving a community he loved and grew up in."

Jim Wilson, chairman of Norfolk Police Authority, who also attended the conference, added: "Norfolk Constabulary is a close-knit organisation. When a tragic incident like this happens it impacts on colleagues right across the force."

Pc Brown died on Saturday, 6 September, at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

His passenger in the police car, 30 year-old Police Constable Jim Wells, escaped unhurt.

Praise for hospital staff

A police spokesman said that the car was not responding to an emergency call.

The investigation into the cause of the crash continues.

Pc Brown's wife Linda, and his children Paul 26, Nichola, 24, and Thomas 15, issued a statement on Sunday which said: "Linda Brown and her family wish to thank the police and hospital staff for all their help and support through this difficult time."

Anyone who may have witnessed the collision should contact Inspector Paul Rush of Norfolk Police on [phone].