Tributes have been paid to a police officer from the Essex Police Police Marine Unit based at Burnham-on-Crouch after news that he died on Saturday.

Special Constable Toby Speller, who had worked with the marine unit for 16 years, passed away after contracting Covid-19.

In a post shared on the unit's Twitter page today (Monday, 18 January), a spokesperson said: "We are devastated to say we lost one of our Marine Officers to Covid-19 on Saturday.

"Our thoughts & prayers are with his family."

"Please everyone adhere to government regulations to help save lives. This virus has no respect for age and health.

"Rest well, Toby, we will take it from here."