Northamptonshire is mourning the loss of a PC.

Northamptonshire officers are mourning the sudden death of a much-loved PC.

The officer was named by the force as PC Alex Prentice. As yet no further details have been released.

Northamptonshire Police said: “It is with deep sadness that we report the sudden and tragic death of our very good friend and colleague, PC1158 Alex Prentice. Never was there a Police Officer, who was solely committed to his job in serving our Queen.”

The response officer was a significant presence in the local community.

In January this year, PC Prentice revealed to local media how he had attended the scene of a fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old boy and had desperately worked to save his life on arrival. A 17-year-old was later convicted of murder.

He had shared his story, including the trauma he had suffered as a result, in a bid to raise awareness of the consequences of knife crime.

As news broke, colleagues paid tribute to PC Prentice on social media.

A member of the National Police Air Service, Central Region said: “Alex and I were in the same class at Ryton during basic training and had rooms in the same block. I am very sorry to hear of his loss and my thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. He was a decent and enthusiastic man.”

The force’s Interceptor unit said: “Absolutely devastated today. NorthantsPolice and UK Policing has lost an incredible Police Officer. Someone I worked with for 14 years, looked up to and cared about. He loved his job, took great pride in what he did and most of all truly wanted to help. You'll be hugely missed.”

Another colleague said: “Today Northamptonshire Police lost one of their own, a true gent and taken far too young. Can I ask that you all take a moment to think about PC 1158, you’ll be dearly missed.”

DCI Steve Watkins said: “A great officer but more importantly a great man. Northants is a small force, and Policing has lost a giant.”