A SERVING Dorset Police officer who had been self-isolating at home after displaying coronavirus symptoms, has died.

Dorset Police Chief Constable James Vaughan, who said his thoughts and prayers were with the officer's family and friends, stressed it is "too early to speculate on the circumstances surrounding his death."

Chief Constable Vaughan said: "I can confirm one of our serving officers sadly died at his home in Bournemouth just before 10am today, Monday, March 30, 2020.

“He was 56-years-old and had been unwell since Christmas with a chest infection.

"He had been off sick since Thursday, March 19 and went into self-isolation following Covid-19 guidance from the NHS after displaying symptoms."

The chief constable also said it had not been confirmed if the death is Covid-19-related and that "I would strongly emphasise that it is too early to speculate on the circumstances surrounding his death."

He added: "We are all deeply saddened by the death. This is a huge loss to the police family and my thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s family, friends and close friends, many of whom are Dorset Police colleagues. I have relayed to them my deepest condolences.

"I would ask you to please respect their privacy at this very sad time."