The body found in the search for a hero police constable swept away when a bridge collapsed in floods has been confirmed as Pc Bill Barker.

Cumbria Police chief constable Craig Mackey said: "It is with deep sadness that I can confirm that the body found on a beach at Allonby this afternoon is that of our friend and colleague Pc Bill Barker."

Pc Barker, 44, who served with Cumbria Police for 25 years, leaves a wife and four children. He would have celebrated his 45th birthday on Saturday.

Pc Barker was a "very heroic, very brave man", Prime Minister Gordon Brown said.

Mr Mackey added: "Bill was a wonderful police officer and a real family man. He leaves behind a wife and four children in their home in Egremont - two boys and two girls - aged between eight and 16.

"He was due to to celebrate his 45th birthday tomorrow.

"Bill is a hero who died saving the lives of others and our thoughts are with his family at this devastating time. He was a much-loved friend, colleague and an inspiration to everyone he knew - he will be sadly missed.

"His friends say he loved being a police officer and, a passionate biker, he was part of the constabulary's dedicated Roads Policing Unit.

"He was a sterling officer and had won a number of awards throughout his 25-year service with Cumbria Constabulary.

"Whilst this is an extremely difficult time for everyone involved in the rescue operation, our officers and staff continue to work valiantly to ensure the public remains safe."