Tributes have been paid to traffic officer PC Andrew Duncan who died after being knocked down in a hit-and-run on Friday.

Sutton MP Paul Burstow and Sutton Council leader Ruth Dombey have joined the voices paying tribute to the 47-year-old father of two who was struck by a car in Reigate Avenue, Sutton, in the early hours of Friday morning.

PC Duncan, known as Andy, was taken to hospital in a critical state but died on Sunday. Gary Cody, also known as Gary Bromige, 25, and from South Norwood was arrested and charged with causing death by dangerous driving in connection with the incident.

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Gary Cody, also known as Gary Bromige

Sutton and Cheam MP Paul Burstow said: "The hearts of people will go out to the friends and family of PC Andrew Duncan.  He tragic death brings home to us all that police officers risk putting themselves in harm's was every day. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and those who served with the constable."

Councillor Ruth Dombey, leader of Sutton Council, added: "It’s incredibly sad to hear the tragic news of PC Andrew Duncan’s death and my thoughts go out to his family, colleagues and friends at this most difficult of times. While I did not know him personally, the tributes I’ve already seen and heard show just how highly thought of he was in the local community and with his police colleagues. I have sent the condolences of everyone living and working in Sutton.

"He was doing a difficult job – one which he loved and that we all rely upon for our own safety - and I’d urge anyone with information about this incident to contact police immediately."

Sutton Guardian readers have also paid tribute to PC Duncan. Among them, Debbie Murphy emailed to say: "So sad just trying to protect us. Thinking of his family at this sad time."

Ladyloki commented via this website. She said: "So sad to read this news, and my thoughts are with his family and friends. We ask so much of our Police officers and they deserve our support and respect doing an impossibly difficult job."

Friends, colleagues and well-wishers have left floral tributes to PC Duncan near the spot where he was hit and Metropolitan Police bosses have also praised him. Sutton Borough Commander Detective Chief Superintendent Guy Ferguson said: "I have received a significant number of goodwill messages in support of PC Andrew Duncan who died when doing the job he loved after a collision on the A217 Reigate Avenue in Sutton on Friday.

Your Local Guardian: Det Chief Supt Guy Ferguson

Detective Chief Superintendent Guy Ferguson

"I would like to say a big thank you for these heartfelt messages which are being passed on to the officer’s managers and other work colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s family and friends.

"The death of this traffic officer underlines the ever present dangers faced by police officers as they tackle criminals and keep the public safe every day."

Sir Bernard Horgan-Howe, the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, called him a "hard working and courageous policeman".

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The spot in Reigate Avenue where PC Duncan was treated for his injuries

PC Duncan was doing a traffic operation when he was knocked down just before 1am on Friday. A suspect car was recovered in nearby Hyde Walk later that morning and Cody was arrested in the afternoon. He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving and other motoring offences on Sunday. Two other men and a woman have been arrested in connection with the incident.

If you would like to pay tribute to PC Duncan, email mike.pyle@london.newsquest.co.uk.