Police officer found hanged

A Shropshire police officer has been found hanged at a building site in a village near Ellesmere, police confirmed today.

The body of the man, named locally as Constable Kevin Hughes, was believed to have been found by a dog walker in Penley yesterday morning.

The 45-year-old had served with West Mercia Police in the Whitchurch area for about 22 years.

A police spokeswoman for West Mercia Police said: "At approximately 9am North Wales Police received a call stating a man had been found hanging in Penley, North Wales.

"The deceased is a 45-year-old male who was a serving police officer. West Mercia Police is working closely with North Wales Police assisting them with the investigation into his death. North Wales Police are not looking for any third party in connection with his death."

Councillor Alan Chesters, Mayor of Whitchurch, said today: "It's extremely sad news, and more so at this time of year."

Mr Hughes is believed to be a father-of-two teenage children and lived in Penley.