TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Metropolitan Police officer who died following a road crash.

Police were called to a collision involving a Ford Focus and a Citroen DS3 in Maldon Road between Steeple and Bradwell-on-Sea, around 12.25pm on Monday, November 21.

The driver and passenger of the Ford were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The driver was later released from hospital.

The passenger, John Daly, 84, from Bradwell-on-Sea, died in hospital four days later.

A post mortem examination found that Mr Daly died as a result of natural causes.

His family said: "John was a dearly loved husband, father to three sons, grandfather to his three granddaughters and a grandson, as well as a dearly loved friend.

"He was a retired Metropolitan Police officer with more than 32 years’ service.

"His family and friends will greatly miss the joy John brought to their lives.”

Funeral arrangements have yet to be made.

Any witnesses are asked to contact the Essex Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit on either 101 or collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.