13 March 2008 Tributes have been paid to a respected Bournemouth police inspector whose body was found on the shoreline of Poole Harbour this morning.
The clothed body of 43-year-old Neil Munro – who was married with a young son and lived in Bournemouth – was found by a member of the public around 8.30am on the beach near the junction of Panorama Road and Old Coastguard Road.
At this stage, the circumstances of Inspector Munro’s death – understood to have taken place while he was off duty – are unexplained and an investigation is underway. The Coroner has been informed.
Dorset Police Chief Constable Martin Baker said: "The whole of the Force has been deeply shocked by today's news and our thoughts are very much with Neil’s family at this time.
"Neil had served with Dorset Police for 20 years. He had a huge impact on policing here in Bournemouth and across the force."
Inspector Munro had been working as Section Inspector in command of the North Bournemouth section for the past two and a half years and had previously worked at Poole, Ferndown, Gravel Hill and in the Headquarters Air Support Unit at Winfrith near Wareham.
Chief Constable Baker added: "In November, 2006, I personally commended Neil for his professionalism in the field of hostage negotiation.
“He had previously received a Divisional Commander's Commendation for his prompt and positive action in dealing with and defusing a potentially dangerous situation at Poole when he was confronted with a man armed with a firearm, a knife and a stick.
“Due to his ability, Neil was selected to provide personal support to Dorset Police’s Assistant Chief Constable, Adrian Whiting, during his command of the policing operation at the 2007 Labour Party conference in Bournemouth.
"Neil had many friends among his colleagues within the force, and outside, due to his work with other agencies including Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership representatives. He will be very much missed by a great many people."
Dorset Police Federation chairman Clive Chamberlain also paid tribute to Inspector Munro: "As a close knit community ourselves, colleagues have been very saddened by the death of a valued friend and colleague.
"Neil was an excellent leader and a great friend to many within Dorset Police."
A post mortem to establish the cause of Inspector Munro’s death is due to take place at the Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester later this afternoon, Thursday.
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