Flowers left as a tribute to PC Ged Walker have been deliberately set on fire.

PC Walker died from head injuries last week after being injured as he attempted to catch a suspected car thief in Bulwell, Nottingham.

A bouquet left at the scene was set on fire on Tuesday night in what police described as a "mindless act".

They are treating the incident as arson and said it was distressing for the dead officer's family.

Pc Walker was with his dog when he was injured

Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police, Steve Green, said: "This is a despicable act.

"This has not only shocked and angered the entire Nottinghamshire force, but all law-abiding members of the community must be in a state of disbelief."

Members of the public placed new flowers along the route on Wednesday, replacing those torched by the vandals.

PC Walker, a dog handler, was married with a 12-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter. He had been with the force since 1978.

Many people have left flowers in his memory and signed a book of condolence.

David Andrew Parfitt, 25, appeared before magistrates in Nottingham last Friday charged with murder.

He is also accused of stealing a Vauxhall Astra and taking another vehicle - a Vauxhall Vectra taxi - without the owner's consent.

He will reappear in court on 17 January.