���˿���

Tributes have been paid to a popular police officer who died from lung cancer.

Flags on West Mercia Police buildings flew at half-mast in honour of PC Steve Moore, who died on Wednesday.

Hundreds of comments have been left on the force's Facebook post announcing the 40-year-old's death.

The officer joined West Mercia Police in April 2015 and was based in Telford.

He was diagnosed with lung cancer a few months ago and died surrounded by family, the force said.

His father Graham Moore wrote that the comments on social media had "opened our eyes to the love and affection that is expressed both here and elsewhere", adding it had been a "great comfort to us over the last few days".

Temporary Chief Constable Alex Murray said: “It has been a difficult week for the officers, staff and volunteers of West Mercia Police as we come to terms with losing a colleague and friend.

"More than anything, all of our thoughts have been with his wife Maddie, his parents and his family and friends.”