Community in shock after PC found hanged at home

PC Andrew Miller was the beat officer for the Chilton area, in County Durham, and was highly-respected both within the force and the local community.

The 27-year-old, who had only been married to wife Julie since last September, was found at his home in Newton Aycliffe on Monday evening.

Mrs Miller, a member of the civilian support staff with Darlington Police, was last night too upset to talk about the tragedy.

Derek Hall, PC Miller's Divisional Commander, said the officer was highly respected by his colleagues with "undoubted potential" for advancement within the force.

"All the staff within the division and across the force who knew Andy were deeply shocked to learn of his death," he said.

"I know the community also shared that sense of loss from the number of telephone calls we've had since his death and some members of the public have sent flowers as well as messages of condolence.

"My personal thoughts are with all member's of his family and in particular his wife Julie."

An inquest will be opened at Bishop Auckland this afternoon.

Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and that he had not been on sick leave.

PC Miller, who had no children, joined the Durham Constabulary in 1996 and served all his time with the Sedgefield Division.

He worked at Spennymoor for two years and at the time of his death was the designated beat officer for Chilton.

He was born in Sunderland, went to school in Houghton-le-Spring, and gained a degree in geography and planning from Coventry University before joining the force.

Chilton councillor Brian Avery said PC Miller had been a regular at the parish council and residents' meetings.

"He was a happy-go-lucky type of person and was very well liked. His death has come as a great shock to many people," he said.

A full police funeral will take place at St Cuthbert's Church in Durham, near County Hall, on Tuesday at noon followed by cremation.