PC Alan Roberts, 52, who joined the Cheshire Constabulary in 1975, is believed to have died from heart failure in the Overpool Road area of Ellesmere Port on Thursday.

A spokesman for Cheshire Constabulary said PC Roberts was due to retire this week and he had completed his final shift.

Flags were flying at half mast at Cheshire Constabulary headquarters following his death.

When PC Roberts joined the force he worked as a front-line operational police officer in Ellesmere Port, where he developed his interest and skills in the field of public order training.

PC Roberts, who grew up in Wrexham and maintained strong ties with the town, became a nationally accredited PSU (Police Support Unit) instructor and in 1992 he took up a full-time role delivering training across the force in public order tactics and evidence gathering.

His knowledge and expertise made him an invaluable tactical adviser to senior officers engaged in policing large public events and violent situations.

The spokesman said PC Roberts was a keen coarse fisherman and represented the Cheshire Constabulary.

Acting Chief Supt Phil Charlton said: "Alan was a straightforward, down to earth, no nonsense police officer.

"He was a good man to have alongside you and dedicated much of his career in training officers to protect themselves in violent situations."

He said: "Alan will be sadly missed by his friends and colleagues within the Cheshire Constabulary and beyond that in the local community.

"A proud father and grandfather, our hearts go out to Alan's family at this tragic and difficult time."

PC Roberts, who lived in Whitby, Ellesmere Port, leaves a wife, a son and a daughter as well as grandchildren.

His funeral will be at 10.30am on Friday, January 18, at St Paul's Parish Church, Hooton, to be followed by cremation at Chester.