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When you think of life in Kidderminster, your first thoughts will probably be of your local postman, and maybe you’ll be right. But if you think of the national news, you might well get a picture of a policeman. Today, despite the fact that the town boasts a population of just 50,000 people, there are two such men living there.
The death of a police officer and son has sparked a very sad story of tributes and thanks on social media. On the 16th of May, 2013, 38-year old police officer Dave Louden was on foot patrol when he was struck by a car, his son Harrison, 7, who was in the backseat of the car, died in hospital the next day. Harrison was the eldest of Dave’s two children after his partner and mum of the child, Joanne Louden, who is still in hospital and is recovering from serious injuries.
Today, David Louden, 39, and Harrison, three, were photographed (Picture: West Mercia Police)
The family of a serving police officer who was discovered dead at home with his three-year-old kid has paid homage.
Today is the first time investigators have seen David Louden, 39, and Harrison, as they attempt to figure out how they died.
Concerns about the safety of a man and a small kid prompted West Mercia Police to the home in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, on Friday morning.
When officers arrived to Cairndhu Drive at 9.20 a.m., they discovered David, a member of their own force and his son, had already perished.
David’s widow paid homage to her husband and son, as well as their extended family, this evening.
They conveyed their shock, sorrow, and heartbreak at the deaths of these two cherished family members.
Colleagues and neighbors were stunned to hear that David, like his kid, had perished (Picture: Police handout)
They said: ‘David was an excellent father, husband, son, brother, uncle, friend, and colleague who was kind, loving, thoughtful, and wonderful father, husband, son, brother, uncle, friend, and colleague.’
‘Harrison was a cheerful, well-liked youngster. They will both be missed and cherished for the rest of their lives.’
DC Louden was said to have worked with CID for a number of years, focusing on burglary gangs and drug dealers.
BirminghamLive reported that touching flower tributes have been placed outside the home.
‘Rest in peace, sleep well,’ said one message, which was accompanied by a child’s toy and a bunch of flowers. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.’
According to authorities, their deaths are presently being regarded as unexplained. (Photo courtesy of PA)
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‘To relatives and friends,’ read another. We’re all thinking about you and are sad for your loss. My heart breaks for you all; it’s a terrible tragedy. Both of their lives were cut short much too soon.’
‘It is with great sorrow that I convey the news that a serving police officer and a three-year-old child have died away,’ assistant chief constable Rachel Jones said earlier this week.
‘While the circumstances behind the fatalities are unknown, this is obviously a sad event, and our hearts go out to the families and colleagues involved.’
Following the incident, the West Mercia Police Federation released a statement.
On Friday, police were sent to Cairndhu Drive in response to allegations of a man and a small kid being in danger (Picture: PA)
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‘We are all profoundly surprised and devastated by this terrible and heart-breaking news,’ said Sarah Cooper, branch chair.
‘We send our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this tragic event, and our thoughts are with family, friends, and coworkers.
‘The ramifications of this event will be far-reaching, and I am certain that officers and employees throughout West Mercia Police will be severely affected.
‘As a federation, we will be there to assist our members in any manner possible.’
Neighbors had already expressed their astonishment at the deaths, with one, who did not want to be identified, saying: ‘I didn’t really know the inhabitants, they kept to themselves.’
‘They’ve just been there a year, yet they’re a family.’ The news is really appalling.’
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