Shock as police chief dies aged 41

An "extremely well respected" senior police officer from Somerset has died suddenly after collapsing.

Chief Superintendent Sandy Padgett, 41, the district commander for West Somerset, died in hospital on Saturday.

Head of Avon and Somerset Police, Chief Constable Colin Port, paid tribute to mother-of-two Ms Padgett, who died after a "short and sudden illness".

Mr Port said: "This tragic loss has come as a great shock to everybody and our deepest sympathies go to her husband and children.

"Sandy, who was district commander of West Somerset, will be greatly missed by all of those who knew and worked with her.

"She was an exceptional police officer who was extremely well respected by all those fortunate enough to work with her."

Ms Padgett, who lived in Somerset, leaves behind husband Kenneth, a teacher in Wells, and her two children Eleanor and Alasdair.