A 32-YEAR-OLD police officer who died when his car crashed into a bungalow in Highcliffe on Sunday has been named as DC Ian Morton.

The officer, based at Bournemouth CID, died after his Skoda Fabia collided with the wall of a bungalow on the A337 Lymington Road in Highcliffe at around 5.40am on Sunday.

He was driving to work when the collision happened.

Dorset’s police chief constable Martin Baker said the news “was a great shock to the whole force and our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this difficult time”.

He added: “Dorset Police is a close-knit community and Ian will be sorely missed by his many friends and colleagues in the force.

“I would like to pay tribute to Ian for all the hard work, professionalism and dedication he exhibited throughout his career for the communities he served.

“The only positive note to come out of this tragedy is that no-one else sustained any injury – although one elderly occupant of the bungalow was treated in hospital for shock.”

DC Morton had worked with Dorset Police for almost nine years, starting as a constable at Boscombe in January 2000.

He joined Bournemouth CID as a detective constable in January 2007.

Anyone who witnessed Sunday’s collision – or who may have seen the Skoda being driven prior to the collision – should contact Police Constable Vivienne Bedford of the Dorset Police traffic unit on 01202 222 222.

For the full story see Tuesday’s Daily Echo.