DAVID McCann, an Assistant Chief Constable of Kent Police who was found dead at his home at the weekend, had suffered a heart attack, a post mortem examination has revealed.

Tributes have been paid to Mr McCann, a married man with two children, who was 41 and lived at Gravesend.

Flags have been flying at half-mast at Kent Police headquarters in Maidstone and in all nine areas of the county as a mark of respect.

Books of condolence are being made available for signing at the police headquarters in Sutton Road, Maidstone, and at Gravesend and Medway police stations.

Kent's Chief Constable Mike Fuller described Mr McCann as an officer of the highest calibre and stressed that he had been responsible for many innovative and successful police initiatives during his 20 years' service.

He added: "He was held in the highest regard in the force, regionally and nationally, and his loss will be felt across the service.

"Personally, I will miss his humour, incisive mind and the significant contribution he made with Kent Police. Everyone at Kent Police shares a deep sense of grief over ACC McCann's death.

"We are all determined to continue to police Kent in a way that reflects the high standards he upheld."

Medway Council's chief executive Judith Armitt said: "David McCann was a highly able

Assistant Chief Constable and superb Area Commander before then. I am deeply

saddened by the loss of this first-rate policeman and colleague. My heart

goes out to his family, friends and work associates."

Mr McCann was one of three assistant chief constables with Kent Police. He was appointed to the post in December 2003, and served the whole of his career in Kent. From 1998 to 2000 he was head of special branch and had been commander of the Medway area.

He served in all ranks as a detective in Gravesend, Swanley and Dartford as well as working at force headquarters.

He had had been responsible for all areas of specialist support, including counter terrorism, intelligence and serious crime investigation.

When he was apppointed as an assistant chief constable, he said: "I want to ensure that we do everything we can to prevent drug dealers getting a foot hold in our communities."