The widow of a hero police constable swept away when a bridge collapsed in floods in Workington has paid a moving tribute to her husband.

Pc Bill Barker, 44, fell into the River Derwent when the bridge he was standing on collapsed.

Cumbria Assistant Chief Constable Jerry Graham said Pc Barker and a colleague went on the bridge on foot in an attempt to help drivers trying to get across it.

His body was later found on a beach at Allonby.

His wife Hazel said: “How do you put into words how you feel about somebody you are so proud of?

”Bill was my best friend, my forever friend, and an amazing dad.

"Even when he was exhausted from work, he would always take time out for the kids.

”I have the comfort of knowing that Bill died doing the job he loved, and the fact that he was helping others is just typical Bill.”

Prime Minister Gordon Brown called Pc Barker a “very heroic, very brave man”.

Paying tribute, Mr Brown said: “Police Constable Bill Barker died trying to save the lives of others. He was a very heroic, very brave man who will be sorely missed by everybody who was close to him.

”I think we owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude for the service he has shown.”

Tory leader David Cameron said: “Pc Bill Barker has died a true hero. We should all pay tribute to his bravery. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Paul McKeever, chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with Pc Barker’s family, friends and colleagues at this extremely sad time.

”Constable Bill Barker was a dedicated professional officer who was doing his utmost to help his local community in the face of a natural disaster and he has paid the ultimate price for his bravery and selfless actions.

”No words can help those closest to Pc Barker at this terribly distressing time but I hope they will find some comfort that the loss of this brave man is mourned by the entire police family throughout the UK.”

Home Secretary Alan Johnson paid tribute to Pc Barker.

He said: “I was extremely saddened to hear of the death of Pc Barker. We owe a debt of gratitude to him for his courage and determination in seeking to help local people in these exceptionally difficult circumstances.

”Tragically, his bravery cost him his life. My thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and colleagues.”

A body found on a beach earlier today is that of missing police officer PC Bill Barker.

PC Barker, 45, was saving lives when a bridge collapsed and he was swept away in Workington earlier today.

Chief Constable Craig Mackey said: "Bill was a wonderful police officer and a real family man.

"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 valiently to ensure the public remains safe."

Pc Barker leaves behind a wife and four children in their home in Egremont- two boys and two girls - aged between 8 and 16.

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

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