A grieving family has paid tribute to a police officer who was found dead on farmland at Blofield Heath, near Norwich.

Pc Mike Gard, whose body was discovered on April 19. had been a special constable in Norwich before joining Suffolk Constabulary.

The 37-year-old was born in Great Yarmouth and served in Beccles, Southwold, Halesworth and Lowestoft.

Described as being a loving father to Molly and Alfie, his partner Donna Shrubsall said Pc Gard will be missed by many people.

She said: 'When he wasn't at work he was a family man who loved taking his children on days out on the train and on family holidays.

'He was also a very special uncle and away from his job enjoyed hobbies, which including looking after his garden.

'He lived for the police. He had many friends both in and outside of his job and was well regarded by all who knew him.

'Words cannot express our feelings but he will be missed by family, friends and colleagues.'

In Southwold Pc Gard became the public face of a campaign promoting grass roots policing

Superintendent Ian Sidney, of Suffolk Police, said: 'Staff and colleagues have been shocked and saddened by the news. Mike was popular, well liked and well respected, and his loss is being felt by many of those who worked alongside him.'

An inquest into Pc Gard's death was opened and adjourned on Tuesday. The inquest heard a shotgun was found nearby Pc Gard's body.

He suffered a massive trauma to the head and his death is not being treated as suspicious.