floral tributes formed a roadside shrine yesterday at the spot where a popular young police officer died in a car crash.

The bouquets placed beside the A67 near Barnard Castle, County Durham, bore messages from friends and relatives of 23-year-old PC Jonathan Green.

They included a bouquet from his parents and sister, Michelle, and some from fellow officers who had served with him in Bishop Auck- land, Crook andTeesdale.

PC Green, known to everyone as Johnny, had just finished a shift at Barnard Castle police station, on Thursday night last week, and was on his way home to Brinkburn Road, Darlington, when his Honda CRX car left the road and hit a tree.

Inspector Kevin Tuck, officer in charge at Barnard Castle, said yesterday: "When a young person like this is involved in a tragedy, cliches are often trotted out about how friendly and popular they were.

"But in this instance the remarks are genuine. Johnny Green was a really likeable man who made friends with everyone he met. He was known to everyone as a nice guy, so there is deep sorrow among his colleagues."

Many officers will be among the mourners at PC Green's funeral, at St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Darlington, on Friday at 1pm, followed by private cremation.