The family of a popular and respected Suffolk police officer, who was found dead in a field in Norfolk, have paid tribute to him.

The body of Pc Mike Gard, of Worlingham, near Beccles, was found by a member of the public near a track on open farmland at Blofield Heath, near Norwich, on April 19.

His partner and colleagues have paid tribute to PC Gard, and now his sister Sally has released a statement on behalf of the family.

In the statement she reveals that her brother had found their father's body around 30 years ago, when he was aged just seven.

The statement reads: 'Michael was dearly wanted by his mum and dad Joan and Fred and therefore all the family including big brother Dave and his two sisters were absolutely thrilled on the news of his arrival. He was the apple of their eye.

'Sadly it was Michael, at the tender age of seven, who found his dad dead, however he grew up into a cheerful teenager and young man, loving his family, nieces and nephews, and later his partner Donna and two beautiful children Alfie and Molly.

'We are all living in a numb daze of disbelief. Life will never be the same for us any more.

'Michael was not only liked here in the UK but also overseas in Italy where his sister Sally and her family live.

'Michael visited her in Italy every year since he was 13 and many people in the village there are shocked and saddened by the news.'

The 37-year-old had served at Southwold, Beccles and Halesworth.

He left two children, Molly and Alfie, and his partner Donna Shrubsall, who described him as a loving family man who lived for his job.

Superintendent Ian Sidney, of Suffolk Police, said staff and colleagues had been 'shocked and saddened' by the news.

The body of Pc Gard was found in shrubbery near a tree with significant head injuries and a shotgun was nearby.

Police have said there are no suspicious circumstances. A full inquest into his death will take place at a later date.