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16th Aug 2021

Police officer and his three-year-old son found dead in “unexplained tragedy”

Laura Grainger

“They will both be forever missed and loved.”

A British police officer and his toddler son have been found dead in unknown circumstances.

The bodies of Dave Louden, 39, and his son Harrison, 3, were discovered Friday morning at their home in Kidderminster, Worcestershire.

Concerned relatives had asked police to do a welfare check on the pair after they returned home early from a holiday.

Though Dave had been holidaying with wife Samantha, Harrison and another relative, only he and his son appear to have returned to the home.

Police have now launched an investigation treating their deaths as “unexplained,” according to reports.

It is not yet known if a post-mortem has been carried out.

Detective Dave had been in West Mercia Police CID for several years, targeting burglary gangs and drug offenders.

Wife Samantha, who is also a police officer, and their wider family paid tribute to the pair.

A statement read: “David was a kind, loving, considerate, amazing father, husband, son, brother, uncle, friend and colleague.

“Harrison was a happy, well-loved little boy. They will both be forever missed and loved.”

West Mercia assistant chief constable Rachel Jones said: “It is with great sadness that I share the news that a serving police officer and a three-year-old child have passed away.

“While the circumstances of the deaths are not fully known, this is clearly a tragic incident and our deepest condolences are with family and colleagues.”