A FORMER police and crime commissioner for West Mercia Police has died.

Bill Longmore, 79, the first person to hold the police and crime commissioner role, died following a long battle with cancer.

He was elected in November 2012 and retired in May 2016 to be replaced by current commissioner John Campion.

Mr Longmore died peacefully at his home near Shrewsbury on Thursday morning.

He was diagnosed with his second bout of cancer in July 2015.

West Mercia police and crime commissioner John Campion said: “I was very sad to hear of Bill’s passing. My thoughts are naturally with his wife, and extended family and friends at this time.

“Bill dedicated much of his life to serving the public, both as a police officer, and as West Mercia’s first police and crime commissioner, but I am aware that his commitment to helping local communities extended well beyond that.

"Through his involvement in sport, business and other local groups Bill made a lot of friends and helped a lot of people.

"The energy Bill brought to the PCC role, particularly through the challenges he faced, was admirable and showed just how committed he was to making life better for the community around him. As such I am sure his loss will be felt by many people.”