Family of a serving police officer found dead alongside his three-year-old son at home have paid tribute.
David Louden, 39, and Harrison have been pictured for the first time today as investigators try to find out how they both died.
West Mercia Police were called to the house in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, on Friday morning following concerns for the welfare of a man and young child.
Officers arrived at Cairndhu Drive at around 9.20am and found David, a member of their own force and his son, had already died.
This evening David’s wife paid tribute to her husband and son, along with their wider family.
They expressed their deep shock, grief and devastation at the loss of these two much loved family members.
They said: ‘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.’
DC Louden was understood to have been attached to CID for several years, targeting burglary gangs and drug offenders.
Touching floral tributes have been left outside the house, reports BirminghamLive.
One note accompanied by a child’s toy and bouquet of flowers read:
‘Rest in peace, sleep well. In our thoughts and prayers.’
Another read: ‘To family and friends. So sorry for your loss – we’re all thinking of you. My heart goes out to you all, it’s such a tragedy. Both lives gone too soon.’
Earlier this week, 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.’
The West Mercia Police Federation has also issued a statement following the tragedy.
Sarah Cooper, branch chair, said: ‘We are all deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic and heart-breaking news.
‘We extend our deepest sympathies to all those impacted by this devastating incident and our thoughts are very much with family, friends and colleagues.
‘The ripples from this incident will be far-reaching and I know that officers and staff across West Mercia Police will be impacted hugely by this tragedy.
‘As a federation, we will be on hand to support our members through this in any way we can.’
Neighbours previously spoke of their ‘shock’ at the deaths, with one, who asked not to be named, saying: ‘I didn’t really know the occupants, they kept themselves to themselves.
‘They’ve lived there less than a year, it’s a family. The news is just awful.’
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