Wimbledon police station flew their flag at half mast today following the death of a safer neighbourhood officer.

PC Terry Elmer was rushed to Kingston hospital on Wedneday after he was taken ill during the night at his home. 

He died in hospital yesterday with his family, including his wife Jill and sons Daniel and Craig, a PCSO for Trinity ward, by his side. 

The 48-year-old was a “much loved” member of the Wimbledon Park safer neighbourhood team and had shown no signs of ill health prior to being taken ill. 

Darren Williams, Merton’s borough commander, announced the news in his weekly newsletter today and described PC Elmer as one of Merton’s finest officers.

He said: “Terry's death has hit everyone at Merton very hard - Terry seemed fit and well and even just the day before he died he was bantering with his colleagues at an SNT training day.

“We have been flying the station flag at half mast as a sign of respect to Terry and we have opened a Book of Condolences at Wimbledon Police Station and will open another at the

Wimbledon Park Safer Neighbourhood Base for those of you wishing to leave a message for Terry's family.”

The cause of PC Elmer’s death has not been confirmed and funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.

Earlier this month detective chief superintendent Williams spoke at an annual service to honour fallen police officers at Westminster cathedral.

PC Elmer’s death follows that of Detective Constable Adele Cashman who collapsed and died earlier this month in Camden, north London, after chasing two suspects who had stolen a woman’s phone.

In September, Police Constables Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes were murdered during a routine patrol in Tameside, Greater Manchester.