A serving Lancashire police officer has died while on duty, police have confirmed. 

PC Richard Kemp, who was a constable working in the south of the county fell ill while on duty at Preston police station yesterday (Tuesday December 27).

PC Kemp, 47, who was known affectionately as Kempy by fellow officers, was treated at the scene by colleagues before being taken to Royal Preston Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

His death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed to the coroner in due course.

A spokesperson for the police said: "We can confirm a serving Lancashire Police officer has sadly died.

"PC Richard Kemp, a constable in south division, was taken ill while on duty at Preston police station yesterday (Tuesday, December 27).

"He was treated by officers before being taken to Royal Preston Hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed to the coroner in due course.

"These are very sad and tragic circumstances and our thoughts are with his family at this time.

"They have asked for time and privacy to come to terms with their loss while they grieve."

Following news of PC Kemp's death, dozens of serving police officers and friends took to social media to express their sadness and shock.

Many changed their profile pictures to that of a thin blue line on a black background - an image often used when there has been a death in service.

One social media user said: "Gutted. RIP Kempy. Such a Top Guy."

While another said: "Haven't even replaced the line and another blue brother is gone. R.I.P. Kempy. Top bloke also taken far too soon."

With one person saying: "God Bless Kempy PC 2912. What an inspirational top cop. How cops should be."

And another wrote: "Wow absolutely shocked, Good night God bless RIP Kempy."

A spokesperson for the Lancashire Police Federation said: "All at Lancashire Police Federation are devastated at the news of the death of our colleague PC Richard Kemp.

"Richard, 47, died yesterday (27 December) after being taken ill at Preston Police Station. Our thoughts at this time are with all those that Richard loved, his family, friends and close colleagues."

Stuart Parry, Secretary of Lancashire Police Federation, said: “We are all shocked and saddened by this awful news. I knew Richard – he was a popular officer who was much loved… and just a really good cop.”

Lancashire Police Federation will be making no further comment at this time and ask that Richard’s family are allowed privacy and time to grieve.

Any colleagues requiring support at this time should contact the Federation.