A serving Maidstone police officer has been found dead at his home.

PC Stephen Older, 38, who was found hanged at the address in Hubbards Lane, Boughton Monchelsea, has been described as an exceptional officer by colleagues.

Police and forensics officers were at the property for several hours following the discovery last Tuesday.

Father-of-two Mr Older had been a popular and well-respected officer.

He was based at Maidstone police station and had been with the force for almost nine years.

Ch Supt Matthew Nix said PC Older was a fine officer. He said: "He had served in a number of teams across the county and had recently passed the examination to become a sergeant - a role in which I've no doubt he would have excelled.

"His death has come as a great shock to his friends and colleagues but we will remember him as an exceptional officer and person, who served his community proudly and respectfully."

An inquest into PC Older's death was opened and adjourned last Thursday.

A post mortem examination found the cause of his death was suspension, although results of toxicology reports are still awaited.