Colleagues of the Cumbrian police officer who died on the M6 Motorway near Carlisle have launched a fundraising effort to help his family.

A married man and proud father of two young children, PC Nick Dumphreys, 47, was popular and hugely respected.

His death on Sunday sent shockwaves through the county.

The tragedy has also triggered a flood of tributes from his many friends, colleagues, and strangers.

PC Dumphreys died on Sunday afternoon after his marked police car crashed off a stretch of the motorway near Carlisle.

As the investigation continues, members of Cumbria Police Federation - which represents rank and file police officers - have launched a JustGiving online appeal for his family.

Their initial target has been set at £25,000.

The appeal was launched online with a moving message and tribute to PC Dumphreys, whose collar number throughout his 16 year police career was 1724.

It says: “Cumbria Police Federation are raising money for the family of PC 1724

Nick Dumphreys, the Police Officer who tragically lost his life on duty in a road traffic collision on 26 January 2020.

“Police officers across Cumbria and the rest of the UK go to work every day to do their duty. We know there is a risk when we put on the uniform but we rightly expect to go home safe at the end of each shift. Nick was a caring and compassionate man who was proud to serve the public.

“He loved the job he did and adored his family. Sadly on very rare and horrendous occasions a colleague makes the ultimate sacrifice. All our thoughts are with Nick’s wife, two young children, family, friends and close colleagues.

The family of PC Dumphreys will receive all money raised through this page.”

Cumbria's Chief Constable Michelle Skeer said that police officers throughout the force were reeling from the death of PC Dumphreys, who had loved his job and was a "consummate professional." He had always put other people first, she said.

As is usual in such tragedies, police officers from another force - in this case Lancashire Police - are investigating the circumstances.