The family of a “thoughtful, funny and kind” police officer from Watford who died suddenly aged 31 have paid tribute to him.

Police Constable Luke Fuller died on November 23 with his family by his side, and his funeral, yesterday morning (December 12), featured full police honours including uniformed outriders accompanying the cortege and a guard of honour outside the church.

Luke grew up in Watford, the second child of Jason and Caroline Fuller, with his sister, Paige, and Herts Police said he will be greatly missed by his loving partner, May – as well as his whole family and friends.

He attended Nascot Wood Infant & Junior Schools, Watford Grammar School for Boys, and West Herts College.

Luke’s daughter, Amber, unexpectedly passed away in September this year at the age of eight. Those who knew him said he “lived for” her and “the loss of his beautiful little girl devastated Luke and the whole family”.

Herts police explained how the officer was loved and respected by colleagues and friends across the force, who have been paying tribute to him. Luke was described as "generous", "thoughtful, funny, and kind", "compassionate" and was hailed for having "the biggest beard in the FCR, always with a smile beneath it".

The Comet: The late PC Luke Fuller.The late PC Luke Fuller. (Image: Herts Police)

North Herts Chief Inspector Hannah Treadwell said: “Luke was a very popular officer and much-loved colleague in the FCR, and everyone at the constabulary is devastated by his untimely passing.

"Our thoughts remain with his family and friends.”

After joining the constabulary in 2016, he spent time in Stevenage, before joining the intervention team at Hitchin.

He had taken on the warrant number, 1938, that had previously belonged to his mother Caroline who had herself served as a Watford police officer.

Chief Constable Charlie Hall attended the funeral, along with many friends and colleagues from across the force.

The family have requested donations to a joint memorial fundraiser rather than floral tributes. Donations can be made via Go Fund Me and will be shared between two charities, Evelin Allergy Research and Herts Air Ambulance.