Tributes paid to police officer

Tributes have been paid to Louise Gibson, a police sergeant found dead after a four-day search.

The 43-year-old mother of three from Macclesfield went missing on Thursday night from her parents’ home in Buckinghamshire.

Her disappearance prompted a nationwide search involving Thames Valley Police and Cheshire Police.

Louise’s body was discovered in woodland near to her parents’ home on Monday afternoon. Police say her death is being treated as unexplained.

Although she stayed in Buckinghamshire while working for the Thames Valley force, Louise considered the family’s house near Macclesfield cemetery to be her true home.

She had two grown up children, Beth, 25, and Robert, 22. Her family are said to be ‘extremely upset’.

In an emotional appeal by her family just hours before Louise’s body was found, she was described as ‘wonderful’, ‘a great leader’ and someone who ‘always put everyone else first’.

Staff at Prestbury Riding Stables, where Louise shared a passion for horse riding, paid tribute to her.

Director Nigel Gollings said everyone associated at the stables was ‘devastated’. He said: “She was such a kind person and will be greatly missed by everyone at the yard. Heaven has gained an angel.”

Louise was also been a member of St Michael’s Church in the town centre.

The Rev Graham Turner said: “We at St Michael’s are very sad to hear the news of Louise’s death.

“She had been a regular worshiper at the church for a number of years.

“The family are very much in our prayers at this time.”

Louise had worked for Thames Valley Police for 10 years and would stay with her parents while working.

She had been working on the day she was last seen.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Ahead said there had been no indication of any personal or professional problems.

He told a press conference that the police were treating her death as unexpected at this time.

Superintendent Ed McLean called her a ‘popular and highly respected officer’.

“She will be missed by lots of people here,” he added. “She was very, very popular. It is a tragic time for her colleagues and they are clearly very upset.”

An inquest is expected to be opened later this week.

Source: Macclesfield Express