Officers die within hours of each other

Two police officers based at the same Black Country station died within hours of each other.

Acting Sgt Lee Bates, aged 29, suffered a heart attack, and Pc Simon Shanks, also 29, was found lying at the bottom of the stairs at his home.

Police chiefs said that the deaths of the Stourbridge-based officers were not linked and added that they were a "tragic coincidence". A/Sgt Bates is believed to have died after suffering a cardiac arrest at Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital, where he was rushed by his father on Sunday.

Black Country coroner Robin Balmain said the officer, of Furnace Close, Wombourne, had been unwell for some time. In a statement, the family of the former Ounsdale School pupil said: "Lee was a wonderful member of our family, a son to be proud of, and a gentle and caring brother.

"He was extremely proud to be a police officer, and during his seven years of service with West Midlands Police, he dedicated himself to serving the public and trying to make life better for people. He was much loved and respected."

Pc Shanks's father Gavin discovered his son, of Portway Road, Rowley Regis, at the bottom of stairs at his home on Monday. In a statement, the officer's family said: "Our loving son Simon will be forever missed by his family, by his friends and by his colleagues. He touched so many lives and was adored by everyone."

Mr Balmain, opening inquests on both men in Walsall yesterday, said a post mortem failed to reveal the cause of death and the matter was adjourned.

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Catherine Preece said today: "Their deaths are completely unrelated and a tragic coincidence."

Two groups have been set up on Facebook in tribute to Simon Shanks.

Tributes from friends described Pc Shanks as a "fantastic guy". Stephen Evans, 28, wrote: "Lads, you will be sadly missed."

Family friend Jim Beeston has confirmed that Pc Shanks's funeral will take place on February 26 at 11am at St John the Baptist Church, Halesowen, and Stourbridge Crematorium.