A POLICE OFFICER who walked the beat in Southampton for more than 20 years has died after collapsing at the wheel of his car.

Police Constable Steve Hellier was driving near to Bitterne police station where he was based for two decades when he had a heart attack.

His wife Vivien who was travelling with him was able to steer the car to the side of the road but despite the best efforts of paramedics and his colleagues who rushed from the police station to help, PC Hellier died before reaching hospital.

The 48-year-old was a respected and popular face on the Sholing beat that he patrolled for two decades.

He had recently transferred to the crime desk at Southampton Central and was due to retire this Christmas.

Tributes to PC Hellier, who leaves behind his wife and two sons, Chris, 20, and Paul 18, have been led by police colleagues.

Insp Graham Norman said: "Steve was one of the old school of coppers, from that generation when it was the norm for officers to walk their beats and to know the people on them.

"He was a man that took the time to help other people and made the effort to serve his communities and his work out of uniform equalled that when in uniform."

Insp Jayne Woodford, crime desk manager at Central station where PC Hellier pioneered the telephone resolution unit dealing with complaints, described him as being a "leading light in the success of the unit."

Councillor June Bridle, who represents the Sholing ward said: "Obviously my thoughts are with his family. He was a marvellous person to have in the Sholing ward and was actively involved in every part of the community.

"If you went to any meeting or event he was there, always fighting for better facilities for the area. He will be greatly missed."

Southampton Central was PC Hellier's first posting when he joined the force in December 1974 and apart from two years at New Milton and four years at the Breamore beat house in Fordingbridge his career was dedicated to the city.

PC Hellier, who lived in Sholing with his family, was also a school governor at St Monica's Primary School, Sholing, and Chamberlayne Park Secondary School at Weston.

He was an active campaigner for Cats Protection along with being a leading member of Hampshire Police Choir by working tirelessly to publicise concerts and events.

A funeral service will be held at St Mary's Church, St Monica's Road, Sholing on September 21 at 1.30pm. The Hampshire Police Choir will sing hymns at the service that will be attended by the Chief Constable Paul Kernaghan.

This will be followed by a private cremation attended by family members only. Donations in lieu of flowers have been requested to be sent to the Cats Protection, Southampton branch.