Shock death of officer, 35

A policeman collapsed and died during a game of football in Stafford, aged just 35.

Tributes have been pouring in for Andy Hill, described as a “popular” officer. Pc Hill was playing for a police team at the Staffordshire University ground, in Weston Road, on Thursday afternoon when he collapsed.

In spite of efforts to revive him the 35-year-old officer, a popular member of the problem solving team on Western Neighbourhood Policing Unit based at Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, died. 

The cause of his death is not yet clear.

Pc Hill was married and leaves a young family who are being supported by relatives, friends and his colleagues.

His boss Chief Superintendent Jane Sawyers said: “We often say that Staffordshire Police is a family and we have now lost a member of that family.  

“I am sure we will all take time over the next few days to comfort our friends and colleagues and I am sure those who knew Andy well will remember the best of our colleague.

“Our thoughts are with Andy’s family, it is impossible to imagine how they feel.”

Inspector Mike Harding said a book of condolences has been set up and he expected there to be many tributes.

“This is a personal loss,” he added.