Flags have been at half mast at police headquarters in Nottinghamshire in tribute to the first officer to die on duty in the county for 25 years.

Pc Ged Walker, died on Thursday night, of head injuries he sustained attempting to catch a suspected car thief in Bulwell, Nottingham on Tuesday.

His wife, 12-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter, were at his bedside at the Queen's Medical Centre when he died.

Flowers have been arriving at police headquarters, a book of condolence has been opened and colleagues have paid tribute to Pc Walker.

Chief constable Steve Green said: "All of our thoughts and prayers are with his family especially his wife and two children on what must be a very difficult time.

Pc Ged Walker

He was an all-round nice man, known by people across the force Philip Oddie, friend and colleague

"I cannot tell you how much this has affected Nottinghamshire Police.

"It was in fact Ged's 43rd birthday next week. He was a highly regarded member of the force."

Pc Walker was a dog handler who had been with the force since 1978.

His dog Kai was with him when he sustained his fatal injuries.

His colleague and friend, Philip Oddie said earlier: "He had a real feel for and desire to become a dog handler, and joined the dog unit in 1987."

Man charged

In 1990, Pc Walker was commended by a judge after bringing to safety a man who was about to commit suicide.

"He is one of the most positive officers I have ever had the pleasure to work with," said Mr Oddie.

"He was an all-round nice man, known by people across the force."

David Andrew Parfitt, 25, appeared before magistrates in Nottingham on Friday charged with the Pc's murder.

He is also accused of stealing a Vauxhall Astra and taking another vehicle - a Vauxhall Vectra taxi - without the owner's consent and is due to return to court on 17 January.