THE CHIEF Constable of Sussex Police has paid tribute to a "dedicated" and "professional" officer - who has died after contracting Covid-19.

Special Constable Toby Speller served with Essex Police for 16 years before his death on Saturday.

Police forces around the country have joined in the tributes to Special Constable Speller on Twitter.

Jo Shiner wrote: "The thoughts of my colleagues and I at Sussex Police are with everyone."

Special Constable Speller had been an officer with the force's Marine Unit - they tweeted to say they were "devastated" to learn of his death.

The unit wrote: "We are devastated to say we lost one of our Marine Officers to Covid-19 on Saturday. This virus has no respect for age or health.

"Rest well Toby, we will take it from here. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

"Please everyone adhere to government regulations to help save lives."

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Essex Police also shared their own tribute to Special Constable Speller, who is believed to be in his 40s.

The force's main Twitter account wrote: "It was with great sadness we learned of the death of Special Constable Toby Speller, who passed away on January 16.

"Toby has always been a dedicated, professional officer, who volunteered to serve his community for more than 16 years.

"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues."

In October 2018, Special Constable Speller was part of a trio of police officers who were shortlisted as a team for a national Home Office Award - after they worked approx. 1,200 hours between them that year.