A KENT police officer who had suffered from depression for the past five years has been found dead at his home.

Maidstone-based PC Carl Bramwell, 44, lived in Bearsted with his childhood sweetheart Teresa for nearly 20 years. He also leaves two teenage children, Gemma and Gareth.

During his career PC Bramwell had been commended six times by Kent Police and the British Humane Society after helping to save lives in the course of duty.

On one occasion he pulled out an injured man trapped on a Bearsted building site. PC Bramwell was also praised after giving the kiss of life to a man found unconscious while on patrol in Maidstone Town Centre.

Mrs Bramwell spoke of "a loving husband and father" who always wanted everyone to think that everything was fine.

She added: "He loved his job 100 per cent and refused to consider retiring and, although he had bouts of depression, we had many happy times together."

An inquest will be held. The death is the latest blow to colleagues at Maidstone and Malling Police, still coming to terms with the loss two months ago of town centre officer PC Dean Tring who was also found dead at home.

PC Bramwell's funeral will be held, with full police honours, at 11.45am next Tuesday at St Peter's Catholic Church in Button Lane, Bearsted.

Donations can be made to the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow charity through Birds Funeral Directors in Fisher Street, Maidstone on 01622 692949.