A HIGHLY respected police officer who was killed in a mid-air crash will be laid to rest in a Suffolk village later this month .Pc Andrew Morton, 41, who served in the roads policing unit in the western area of the Hertfordshire, died alongside his colleague Sergeant Ian Alexander when the microlight they were flying collided with a helicopter.

A HIGHLY respected police officer who was killed in a mid-air crash will be laid to rest in a Suffolk village later this month .

Pc Andrew Morton, 41, who served in the roads policing unit in the western area of the Hertfordshire, died alongside his colleague Sergeant Ian Alexander when the microlight they were flying collided with a helicopter.

Mr Morton, who grew up in Ipswich from the age of two-and-a-half until he left to join the police aged 18, will have his ashes laid to rest at St Mary's Church, Witnesham on July 28.

The tragedy happened in Welham Green on July 6 while the officers were off duty.

Hertfordshire Chief Constable Paul Acres said: "The loss of these two officers came as a terrible shock for all those who knew and respected them as highly experienced road policing officers. It was strongly felt across the organisation for some considerable time.

"Our thoughts are with Ian and Andy's families at this dreadful time."

Both officers had long, exemplary records of service with the police and have devoted their entire policing careers to serving the county.

Ian Laidlaw-Dickson, Chairman of the police authority said: "This was shattering news. Hertfordshire lost two dedicated officers and my deepest sympathy and condolences go to their family and friends. My thanks also go to the officers and staff who dealt with this tragedy."

Mr Morton, a father of three boys, lived in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, and joined Hertfordshire police in 1981 and had 23-years' service.

He was working as a roads policing officer and was deeply respected by those who worked with him. He had gained considerable knowledge and skills whilst working on the Western Area. He leaves behind three children and two stepchildren.

Mr Alexander, 44, lived in Hemel Hempstead, joined the force in January 1978 and was promoted to sergeant in 1989.

He was held in high regard as an officer with a great deal of experience and knowledge in road policing.

Mr Alexander had served 26-years with the constabulary and his colleagues paid tribute to his leadership and professionalism.

He was also the federation representative for the road policing unit.

The pilot of the helicopter, from Potters Bar, suffered a fractured leg and was taken to the QEII Hospital. His passenger, a 30-year-old man from Harwich, was taken to Barnet hospital with minor injuries.

The Air Accident Investigation Branch and the Constabulary are conducting a thorough investigation of the incident.

The funeral of the former Copleston High School pupil will take place at 2pm on July 21 at St John the Baptist Church, Boxmoor, Hemel Hempstead followed by a private committal in Garston.