Tribute to murdered off-duty policeman

The family of an off-duty police constable who died after he was attacked on his way home from a night out paid tribute last night to a “gorgeous son” who brought “love and laughter” into their lives.

A murder investigation has been launched after 28-year-old Pc Gareth Francis was assaulted in Edgeley, Stockport.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of his murder.

In a statement released through Greater Manchester Police, his family said: “Our gorgeous son brought love and laughter into not only our lives, but he was an amazing brother, boyfriend, grandson and nephew.

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“We cannot imagine how we can face each day knowing that he is gone from our lives.”

Police were called to a report of an assault on Castle Street, Edgeley, at around 1.20am this morning.

Emergency services attended the scene within minutes and discovered Pc Francis with a serious head injury.

The officer was walking home from a night out with friends when he was attacked, police said.

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They had been dropped off by taxi in Edgeley after a night out in Manchester city centre.

The motive for the attack is still being investigated but police confirmed they were not treating it as a robbery and they do not believe a weapon was used.

His colleagues paid tribute to a “dedicated officer” who had been serving with Greater Manchester Police for six years.

It is understood Pc Francis, from Stockport, was not married and did not have children.

Stockport divisional commander Chief Superintendent Chris Sykes said: “Gareth was a dedicated police officer with six years’ experience and he will be greatly missed by his colleagues.”