Tributes have been paid to a "brilliant" police officer who has died after more than two decades on the job.

Sergeant Chris Hughes died on January 27 after more than 24 years working for Kent Police.

He spent his long career on the force's east division, patrolling across the region, including Ashford.

Neil Mennie, chairman of the Kent Police Federation (KPF), said: “This is a tremendous shock for all of us - and especially those who knew and worked with Chris, including myself.

"I know many of his colleagues will be utterly devastated - and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this terrible time.”

When the KPF posted its statement on Facebook, 173 comments were left honouring Sgt Hughes.

One response read: "Mentor, sergeant, colleague and most of all friend.

"A massive Chris-shaped hole is left in a lot of people's hearts. Such a brilliant cop, and leader.

"I can't understand or believe this. RIP boss."

Read more: All the latest news for Ashford