TRIBUTES have been paid to a “dearly loved” former Metropolitan Police officer who died four days after a road crash.

Police were called to a collision involving a Ford Focus and a Cit- roen DS3 in Maldon Road between Steeple and Bradwell-on-Sea, at around 12.25pm on Monday, Novem- ber 21.

The driver and passenger of the Ford were taken to hospital with se- rious injuries.

The driver was later released from hospital.

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

A post-mortem examination found that Mr Daly died as a result of natural causes, none of which were related to the injuries he sustained in the crash.

A full inquest is due to establish the exact cause of death.

In a statement issued through Essex Police, 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.”

Bradwell resident Wyn Edwards was a friend of John and his wife Margaret, and said that he was a “true gentleman”.

She said: “John had been through an awful lot as he had been ill over the last few years, with problems with his heart, lungs and kidneys.

“He’d been in and out of hospital many times, but that didn’t affect how nice he was.

“He used to come out to various coffee mornings that were put on by our vicar Bridget, and was always pleasant company talking with the other men who came along.”

“He lived for his three children.

“He would often be travelling to see them, and they would often be over here visiting him.”

Wyn added: “All of our hearts go out to Margaret and his family right now.

“John is now at peace, and it’s amazing the kind of reaction love brings.

“Many people will say this about their loved ones, but John really was a true gentleman.” 

Funeral arrangements have yet to be made.

Any witnesses should contact the Essex Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit by calling 101 or e-mailing collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk