A MUCH-LOVED police officer who featured in four Peter James novels has died suddenly age 50.

Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to PC Tony Omotoso, a road policing officer with Sussex Police.

The force’s chief constable, Giles York, said PC Omotoso was a “totally dedicated and committed” officer, who would be deeply missed.

He added: “He spent the majority of his service on the Road Policing Unit and took great pride and professionalism in his work.

“Tony had a very friendly personality and really was a 'people person' who enjoyed a good conversation whenever he got the opportunity and had great humour for everyone.”

PC Omotoso, who is believed to have suffered a heart attack, featured as himself in four of the best-selling crime novels by Peter James.

The author rode along in his car several times for research and the pair became good friends.

Mr James said: “The first time I went out with him was in 2004 and we ended up on quite a hairy car chase.

“He was a true credit to the police: somebody who is firm but I don’t think anybody who met him disliked him, even people he arrested.”

He added: “He always treated people with respect and fairness, and sometimes with very appropriate humour to help calm upset folk down.

“I recall one incident where a distressed woman had clambered out of her upturned car in the middle of a road.

“Tony said to her, 'You know, madam, you can't park that there!"

Formula 1 fan PC Omotoso leaves behind his partner, Teresa.

Officers behind Positive Police UK, a Facebook page for police, said in a statement that PC Omotoso was a “massively popular RPU officer” who would be a “massive loss to us”.

The statement added: “He didn't have long left to serve before retirement which he was very much looking forward to.

“Tony was always kind, helpful and supportive often giving his time to assist colleagues with traffic related queries.”