A POLICEMAN who was commended for his bravery in duty has died suddenly aged 35.

The cause of PC Danny Wild's death is not yet known although friends believe it was connected to his heart.

Senior officers and colleagues have paid tribute to PC Wild, describing him as an "excellent officer but also a superb friend" and "one of us".

In 1998 PC Wild achieved a commendation for his bravery and courage when he disarmed a man who tried to stab him with a ten-inch kitchen knife.

The incident happened at a house in Burnley after reports that a man was trying to kill himself. When PC Wild and another officer arrived the man ran towards them brandishing the knife and tried repeatedly to stab PC Wild in the back. Eventually, the officers persuaded the man to put the weapon down.

At the time PC Wild was said to have acted with bravery and great courage in facing the offender by Superintendent Alf Hitchcock, then Pennine Division's operations manager. He added the division was fortunate to have officers of the calibre of PC Wild.

PC Wild began his career as a patrol officer in Burnley. Roles in the Intelligence and CID offices at Burnley and Colne followed.

Superintendent Steve Hartley, operations manager at Pennine Division, said: "Danny gave a lot to Pennine Division. He was modest, confident officer and a credit to his family and to Lancashire Constabulary.

"Danny was one of us. He will be sorely missed and our thoughts are with him and his family at this sad time."

Inspector Andy Moore said: "Danny was an excellent officer and a superb friend who was always there for colleagues and friends."

Danny's funeral service takes place next week.