THE partner of a Suffolk police officer who was found dead in a field has described him as a loving family man who lived for his job.

The body of Pc Mike Gard, 37, was discovered by a member of the public near a track on open farmland at Blofield Heath, Norwich, on April 19.

The 37-year-old lived in Worlingham, near Beccles and had served at Southwold, Beccles and Halesworth.

Pc Gard has left two children, Molly and Alfie, and his partner of Donna Shrubsall.

Paying tribute to Pc Gard, Ms Shrubsall said; “When he wasn’t at work he was a family man who loved taking his children on days out on the train and on family holidays.

He was also a very special uncle and away from his job enjoyed hobbies including looking after his garden.

“He lived for the police and was a special constable in Norwich before joining Suffolk Constabulary. He had many friends both in and outside of his job and was well regarded by all who knew him.

“Words cannot express our feelings but he will be missed by family, friends and colleagues.”

Superintendent Ian Sidney, of Suffolk Police, said; “Staff and colleagues have been shocked and saddened by the news. Mike was popular, well liked and well respected, and his loss is being felt by many of those who worked alongside him.

“He will also be known to many members of the public as he served at police stations across Waveney before taking up a role more recently at the tutor unit at Lowestoft.

“Our thoughts continue to be with his family and friends.”

At the opening of Pc Gard’s inquest on Tuesday, Norfolk coroner William Armstrong said the officer’s body had been found in shrubbery near a tree.

Pc Gard has sustained significant head injuries and a shotgun was nearby.

Police have said their are no suspicious circumstances.

Pc Gard’s full inquest will take place at a later date.