COLLEAGUES of a Bury police officer who died from Covid-19 have paid tribute to him.

PC Jonathan (Jon) Wain, from Greater Manchester Police's Bury district, died on Monday, February 15, after testing positive for the virus.

PC Wain leaves behind his partner Gaynor and two sons, who are receiving support from the force.

Jon, aged 49, joined GMP in December 2003 and was based on GMP's Bury district.

A statement from colleagues said: "Jon Wain was the quiet guy on the shift with that inner strength, strong will and drive, which was so easy to admire.

"He was passionate about being a police officer and doing a good job; that was who he was and he was proud of it.

"He was a true gentleman, and a man that is fondly remembered by all who have worked with him throughout his service. There is not a bad word to be said about Jon.

"On his current response team, he quickly became loved and highly respected and he was that go to guy for many of the young in service officers, which is a testament to his quick wit, knowledge and approachability. He wouldn't watch anyone struggle, as it wasn't in him to do so.

"To the response team he is irreplaceable. He will be in our thoughts and hearts forever and we will try to do him proud throughout our careers."

Jon was nicknamed 'The Duke' by colleagues - which legendary actor John Wayne was famously known as.

PC Keith Redmond said: "Just before Jon became ill, we were in the middle of a conversation at the station when another colleague introduced myself and Jon to a student officer. They introduced Jon using his moniker 'The Duke' which led to ten minutes of us trying to explain who the legendary actor John Wayne was. This left myself and Jon chuckling with each other for some time; when had we become the old boys?

"I still remember that trademark lopsided grin and chuckle. We are all stunned that he’s gone and we're all going to miss that smile."

Paying tribute to PC Wain, Inspector Carl Peterson, said: "I first met Jon in 2014 when I joined the Bury district and I have since had the privilege of Jon being a member of my team for the past two years.

"With 17 years' service, Jon was one of the most experienced members of the team who the younger officers could turn to for advice.

"During his career, Jon experienced numerous changes and challenges within the service, some good and some bad, but he approached them all professionally and was always there to support his fellow officers.

"He would also be the first to volunteer for those incidents that require greater levels of compassion and patience. Jon just had a way of helping people through what, for some, would be the most difficult times in their lives.

"I think that is what people will remember most, Jon’s compassion and his cheeky wry smile. He will be missed by all that knew him."

A 'Go Fund Me' page in memory of PC Wain has been set up to support his family and a link to it can be found here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jonathan-wain