Policeman swept to his death in floods as brook becomes a raging torrent

Tragic death: PC Shaun Horton was swept to his death after falling into a stream in Alfreton, Derbyshire

A policeman drowned in a stream as atrocious weather swept across Britain.

Shaun Horton, a father of one, is thought to have fallen into the brook which had been turned into an "absolute torrent" by heavy rainfall.

More downpours are expected over the next few days and flood warnings have been issued across the country.

More than 30 people, including mountain rescue workers, were sent out to find Mr Horton after he failed to return home from a birdwatching walk on Wednesday.

They found the 42-year-old constable's dog on the banks of the swollen brook. His body was downstream.

Mr Horton lived in Alfreton, Derbyshire, with Sally, his wife of 17 years, and son David, 16. He was based in nearby Belper.

Chief Superintendent Michael Usherwood, of Derbyshire Police, said: "There is everything to suggest that it was a very, very slippery wet woodland setting.

"He was out birdwatching, he had his dog with him and the stream that his body was recovered from was an absolute torrent."