Tributes paid to British police officer, 22, found dead while on holiday in Corfu
Tributes have been shared for a young police officer who was found dead in Corfu.
Hannah Byrne was an 'extremely kind' and 'funny' woman, her family have said following the tragic news that she had died.
Surrey Police has since confirmed the 22-year-old was part of its Neighbourhood Policing Team in Reigate, having joined the force in March last year.
The authorities in Greece said Ms Byrne was on holiday when she was found with a head injury near a road by a member of the public.
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Following news of her sudden passing, Ms Byrne's family released a statement, paying tribute to her.
The statement read: "Our beloved Hannah was beautiful inside and out. She was extremely kind, funny, caring and had a real zest for life.
"She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.”
Chief Superintendent Chris Colley, Divisional Commander for East Surrey, said she was a dedicated member of the force and had a bright future ahead of her.
"Hannah’s death has been a shock for everyone who knew her," he said.
"She was a bright, enthusiastic and respected officer just at the start of her career in policing and she will be sadly missed.
"As a Force, we are now doing everything we can to support her family and her colleagues at this extremely difficult time.”
Ms Byrne was found unconscious 'near a bar in Kavos', it's been revealed.
An investigation has now been launched into the circumstances around her death, with police analysing CCTV footage from the area.
A post-mortem is also being carried out to determine the cause of death.
A spokesperson for Surrey Police Federation, a staff association representing all police officers in the country, said they too were 'devastated' by the news.
In a statement Federation Chair Darren Pemble confirmed an investigation was underway and he offered his condolences to Ms Byrne's family.
He said: “Devastating news with the confirmation that a 22-year-old Surrey Police officer has died off duty on holiday in Greece.
"The officer’s name has not been released and the circumstances into her death on Friday are being investigated.”
He added: “The thoughts from all at Surrey Police Federation are with the officer’s family, friends, and close colleagues at this time. Both the Federation and the force are supporting them.”
Topics: UK News
Dominic Smithers