The police officer that was in charge of the Nicola Bulley case died aged 50 from natural causes, it has been confirmed.
Lancashire Police confirmed that assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson passed away at the weekend on Sunday 10 December 2023.
His Majesty’s senior coroner has confirmed there is no requirement for an inquest and funeral arrangements will be made in due course.
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A spokesperson for Lancashire Constabulary said: “Our deepest condolences once again go out to Peter’s family, and we will support them as much as we can. Our thoughts are with them and everyone who knew Peter.
“We want to respect their privacy and would ask that the public and media do so too.
“We will continue to offer support to all our staff and those who worked with Peter, as we mourn his loss.”
Chief Constable Chris Rowley led tributes to ACC Lawson, saying: “This is incredibly sad and tragic news. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Pete’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
“Pete’s death will come as a shock to the entire force and the wider police family across the country. He was an outstanding officer who served the communities of Lancashire with pride. He was also highly respected and admired by all who knew him and worked with him.
“Our deepest condolences go out to his family and we will support them as much as we can. We want to respect their privacy and would ask that the public and media do so too. We will offer support to all our staff and those who worked with Pete, as we mourn his loss.”
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ACC Lawson was also the executive chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum where he looked after the people and specialist uniform operations brief for Lancashire Police.
Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden also paid tribute.
He said: “ACC Lawson represented the very best of policing. He embodied the values of service, duty and integrity. It has been an honour to have worked with him.
“I will miss Pete and Lancashire has lost a dedicated and capable public servant.
“He had such an incredible intellect and insight, a calm and reassuring presence – and that sharp wit and warming smile. My thoughts are with his wife, family, friends and the wider police family.”
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