TRIBUTES were paid today to North Yorkshire Police Detective Inspector Martyn Fenwick, who has died of a suspected heart attack at the age of 43.

Family and colleagues have been left shocked by the loss of the much-loved husband, father and friend who was planning to go on holiday when he died suddenly.

Mr Fenwick, who lived in York but hailed from Stockton-on-Tees, had risen to the rank of Inspector with the National Crime Squad, but began his career in 1982 as a PC based at Harrogate.

Today, Chief Inspector Ron Johnson, who knew Mr Fenwick during his time in Harrogate, paid tribute.

He said: "Martyn was the sort of bloke you were happy to have on your team. He was very thorough, enthusiastic and a good cop.

"His death came as a terrible shock. He was even going on holiday at the time and no-one suspected anything was wrong. He will be remembered for being one of those people who everyone liked."

Insp Fenwick received four commendations in his career, mainly for the meticulous and thorough way he dealt with often complicated and arduous cases.

He leaves teenage children Amanda and Christopher and widow Terri. A funeral service will be held at St Philip's and St James's Church in Clifton, at 1.15pm on Wednesday. Any donations are asked to be sent to the British Heart Foundation.