A SENIOR police officer who played a major role in investigating the murder of Julie Fox in Worcester has died suddenly.

Detective superintendent Adrian McGee was described as ‘much loved’ by colleagues from West Mercia and Warwickshire Police.

Det Supt Adrian McGee, who worked in the police for 30 years, died suddenly on Thursday, June 28 and his funeral was held today.

His death was described as devastating for family, friends and colleagues. Det Supt McGee led the Major Investigation Unit in both Warwickshire and West Mercia Police, launching an appeal to find the killer of Julie Fox.

Chief Constable for Warwickshire Police, Martin Jelley QPM, said: “Adrian was a hugely popular and highly respected police officer across his home force Warwickshire, our alliance partners West Mercia Police, and nationally in policing.

“He had the reputation of being both a very skilled and capable police officer but also a thoroughly decent, kind and genuine man by all who knew and worked with him.”

Flags were last week flown at half mast as a mark of respect to Det Supt McGee and special books of condolence have already been filling up with poignant anecdotes and tributes to a colleague described by many as ‘thoroughly decent, kind and genuine.’

Det Supt McGee led and oversaw more than 400 major investigations and appealed for help to find the killer of Julie Fox, found dead at her home in Carnforth Drive on Wednesday, December 27 last year.

Her killer, Adrian Jenkins, was given a life sentence and must serve a minimum of 33 years las month.