The funeral of Det Con Andy Eley, the Margate-based police officer who died when struck by a train near Reculver, will be held today at Minster parish church at 2pm.

His colleagues will be pall bearers and there will be a police guard of honour. The service will be followed by cremation at Margate crematorium.

Det Con Eley lived in Minster with his wife, Linda, and children Nicholas, Victoria and Harry.

He served 21 years with Kent police in Thanet, spending most of his career as a detective in the area crime unit. He was also known as a rural officer.

His most recent posting was with the public protection unit at Margate police station, supporting vulnerable members of the community who have become victims of crime.

Several tributes to Det Con Eley have been left on our website.

They include this from Alison Bates: “I worked alongside him at Margate police station for many years and also knew him as the local Minster bobby. He was always happy, pleased to stop and talk and a pleasure to know. He will be greatly missed by many.”

Martin and Gail Savage, members of Minster Badminton Club, said: “Andy was a popular and well loved member of the club where he played with his son Nick. He will be sadly missed by all the members. Our deepest sympathy goes to his wife, children and family.”