'Dedicated' PCSO dies two weeks after testing positive for Covid-19

Graham Wesley Dinning, who was known to his colleagues and friends as Wez, tested positive for Covid-19 on October 14 and had been self-isolating at home.

Northumbria Police confirmed that the serving Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) died yesterday (Thursday).

Mr Dinning, 48, leaves behind wife Laura, who also works for Northumbria Police, and their son Adam.

Paying tribute, his wife said: “We are absolutely devastated beyond words.

“Wez was a caring and loving husband and father – and an incredible friend who will be greatly missed by so many.

“He really loved working for Northumbria Police and was proud to be a PCSO.

“I would ask everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, that they remember him with humour because I know that’s what he would want.”

Mr Dinning also leaves behind his dad Chris and sister Carol.

Responding to the news, West Yorkshire Police said on social media: "We're very sorry to hear of the sad passing of Wez.

"We send our thoughts and condolences to his family, friends and colleagues."

Northumbria Police Chief Constable Winton Keenen led the tributes from the Force.

He said: “The thoughts of everyone at Northumbria Police are with Laura and Adam, and Graham’s wider family and friends at this extremely difficult time.

"They have our deepest sympathies and our full support.

“Many of those friends include colleagues, and the impact of this tragic loss will be felt across the whole police family.

“Graham was a dedicated and well-respected member of Northumbria Police.

"He was a real character and was an extremely popular and likeable colleague who was committed to making a real difference to the communities he served.”

Mr Dinning began his career with Northumbria Police more than 28 years ago, on April 13, 1992, as a general office assistant in Farringdon.

He worked in various roles within Business Support across Southern Area Command including Farringdon, Washington and in Sunderland.

Mr Dinning went on to secure a role as a PCSO, working in Central Area Command between September 2017 and April 2019.

He then made the move back to Southern Area Command, and was most recently involved in a project working with partner organisations in Southwick.

Chief Constable Keenen added: “I would like to thank our officers, staff and volunteers – and all of our colleagues across the emergency services – who continue to display unwavering commitment and professionalism at these most challenging of times.”

People are asked to respect the privacy of Mr Dinning’s loved-ones at this time.