A FATHER paid tribute to his policeman son last night who was killed in a freak air accident involving a micro-light and a helicopter.Pc Andy Morton, who was brought up in Ipswich, was one of two off-duty police officers killed when the aeroplane they were in was involved in a collision with a helicopter.

By Danielle Nuttall

A FATHER paid tribute to his policeman son last night who was killed in a freak air accident involving a micro-light and a helicopter.

Pc Andy Morton, who was brought up in Ipswich, was one of two off-duty police officers killed when the aeroplane they were in was involved in a collision with a helicopter.

The incident happened shortly before 1pm on July 6 at Welham Green, near Hatfield.

The pilot of the helicopter, from Potters Bar, is believed to have suffered a fractured leg in the accident and was taken to hospital.

His passenger, a 30-year-old man from Harwich, was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

An air accident investigation has now been launched.

Father-of-three Mr Morton, 41, a former Copleston High School pupil, was serving in the road policing unit of Hertfordshire Constabulary.

Last night his father Michael, who lives in Witnesham, near Ipswich, said: “He was a man who gave so much of himself to others but did not expect anything in return.

“The tributes that we are currently receiving are proof of the affection Andrew obviously was held in by so many people whose lives he touched.”

Mr Morton, who lived in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, came to live in Suffolk at the age of two and remained in Ipswich until the age of 16 where he applied to become a police cadet with Hertfordshire Constabulary.

The police constable spent a significant proportion of his 23 years service with the force as a roads officer, gaining considerable knowledge and skills in the western area of the county.

He was deeply respected by those who worked with him and had established an exemplary record of service.

Hertfordshire Chief Constable Paul Acres said: “The loss of these two officers will come as a terrible shock for all those who knew and respected them as highly experienced road policing officers serving in the Western Area.

“Our thoughts are with Ian and Andy's families at this dreadful time and full support is being provided through family liaison officers and colleagues.

“The loss of both these officers will be strongly felt across the organisation for some considerable time.”

Mr Morton was killed along with Sgt Ian Alexander, from Hemel Hempstead, who joined the force in January 1978 and promoted to sergeant in 1989.

Mr Alexander, who was also the federation representative for the road-policing unit, was highly regarded in the force

Ian Laidlaw-Dickson, Chairman of the Hertfordshire Police Authority said: “This is shattering news. Hertfordshire has lost two dedicated officers and my deepest sympathy and condolences go to their family and friends. My thanks also go to the officers and staff dealing with this tragedy for their professionalism at this very difficult time.”

Internment will take place at St Mary's Church in Witnesham on Wednesday, July 28.