It is with great sadness that Hertfordshire Police announce the sudden death of a much loved, much respected police officer who spent 25 years in service, firstly with the Metropolitan Police and latterly with Hertfordshire Constabulary.

Sergeant Alan Lovett, 46, collapsed while on duty as a Custody Sergeant at Hatfield Police Station in the early hours of November 27. He was taken to the QEII hospital and was pronounced dead soon afterwards. His death was due to a heart condition.

Alan served for over 15 years with the Metropolitan Police in Islington and Hornsey before he transferred as a Sergeant to Hertfordshire in 1996.

He initially worked in the Watford Three Rivers District before transferring to Broxbourne CID, based at Cheshunt.

From 2001, he worked in Intervention on the Central Area, based in Custody at both St Albans and Hatfield stations.

Alan lived in Palmers Green, North London, with his fiancée Kath, who he was due to marry in June. He leaves behind three children.

Alan’s sons, aged 16 and 11, issued the following tribute: “We are both very proud of our dad whether he was working and saving lives or whether he was making us both laugh and smile.

“Those people who knew dad would say he was a kind and honest man who tried his best to help others around him and he always did his best.

“What more could two sons ask for than a great dad who is a legend in our eyes.”

Central Area Commander Chief Superintendent Alison Roome-Gifford said: “This was a very untimely and tragic sudden death and it has made a huge impact on the area and the colleagues Alan has left behind.

“Alan was a larger than life character who lived life to the full. He was a very strong team leader who would always put himself out for other people.

“He was very proud to be a police officer, firstly with the Metropolitan Police and then with Hertfordshire.

“He was someone who always had a smile on his face, who was always approachable and ready to listen and help people. He will be very sorely missed.”

A funeral takes place today in New Southgate.

Alan was a great guy who always had time for everybody. I worked with him (albeit Briefly) whilst I was on intervention at St. Albans. I was deeply saddened to hear of his untimely passing.