Hundreds of tributes to popular Wigan police community support officer

Greater Manchester Police's Leigh, Atherton and Hindley team announced on Sunday evening that PCSO Dave Ratcliffe had died earlier that day.

They said: "Dave was an invaluable member of the Golborne and Lowton neighbourhood team and had been a fixture in Golborne for so many years, he will be missed an immeasurable amount.

"Our thoughts are with Dave's family at this saddest of times, and we send them our love."

Hundreds of people commented on the Facebook post to pay tribute to PCSO Ratcliffe.

Sarah Brown said: "I'd not known Dave for that long, but he was a great friend and colleague and fantastic PCSO, he will be greatly missed and the Golborne team won't be the same without him.. rest in peace buddy. My thoughts go out to his family."

Pauline Carter-was Mullee said: "Aww so sad he was such a lovely man and a brilliant PCOS nothing was too much trouble for him GMP have lost a true gentleman who will be missed by all who knew him condolences to the family RIP Dave God bless."

Jane Dagger said: "I'm in such shock, my partner in crime, my colleague and friend for the past 13 years, work isn't going to be the same without you David. The toast, the pies the cups of tea, the chatting to everyone because you grew up with them, played football with them or generally a listening ear. Golborne is going to have a huge piece missing now you not hear.

My love to your family."

Susan Callinan said: "I had the greatest pleasure of working with Dave for the last 18 months of my career he was a true gentleman, kind and helpful nothing was ever too much trouble for him. Thank you Dave R.I.P. Deepest sympathy to all your family xxxx"

Angela Foster said: "Very sad and shocked to see this.... got to be the happiest PCSO I've ever met. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. From myself and the rest of the staff at Heath st. Fish & Chips. Xx"

Helen Wagner said: "Oh no that's awful.. He was a lovely man. Helped us out many a time when we had a shop In Golborne and did some work within our children's junior school years ago. Big part of the community. Will be missed by all."

Angela Sumner Addis said: "One of the first to welcome me to my new role in the area. Hit it off straight away, my work dad who would share his sugar free chocolate biscuits in return for anything I had!! Home made soup on the menu up there Dave I hope its pea and ham! The place truly wont be the same without you, one in a million. Good night God Bless, thoughts are with your family xxx"

Julie Briscoe said: "Omg this is such sad news. A friend of my husband for years. A fellow Evertonian. They went to many matches together in the 80's. He will be sadly missed in the community. RIP Dave always a pleasure to chat with you. You will be sadly missed by family, friends. Such a lovely man."

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