TRIBUTES have been paid to a police officer who died after giving birth to a baby daughter.

PC Diane Patt, based at Colchester police station, died at Colchester General Hospital.

Flags at police stations have been flying at half mast as a mark of respect for the married mother-of-two.

Her husband Jason is a Sergeant Major in the 7th Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, based at Colchester Garrison.

He said: “Diane died on Sunday evening shortly after giving birth.

“She leaves behind two beautiful children – her two-year-old son and her newborn daughter.”

Chief Insp Lee Davies said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with Jason and his family following the loss of Diane. Her death is a tragic loss to them, but also to Essex Police and especially her colleagues at Colchester police station.

“We have been left shocked by the news and are offering our support to Jason and the military. She was a fantastic officer and is a credit to the force and her family.”

Father Richard Tillbrook, padre for 7 Para RHA, has lit candles and said prayers at St Barnabas Church, in Abbots Road, Colchester.

He said: “We are all deeply saddened by the death of Mrs Patt. We are thinking about WO2 Patt and his family, and I have prayed for the family and lit candles at the church.

“The regimental family is offering support in whatever way is helpful without being intrusive.”

An investigation has been launched by Colchester Hospital University NHS Foundation Trust to find out how and why Mrs Patt died.

A spokesman said: “We wish to offer our condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of Diane Patt.

“Maternal deaths are an extremely rare occurrence, but when they do happen it is standard NHS practice to carry out a full and formal investigation. Our investigation has began and it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this early stage.”

The family has asked to be given time to grieve.

According to figures in 2008, the rate of women who died in childbirth per 100,000 births was 8.2.