A POPULAR, Gwent-born Metropolitan Police officer has died in a car crash Police Constable Christopher Jones, who was married with a baby girl, died when his Volvo estate was in collision with a lorry on the M25 at Junction 30 of the M5, near Grays, in Essex, on Monday, March 24.

The 34-year-old, originally from Brynmawr and a former pupil at Brynmawr Comprehensive School, lived in the Grays area and had served with the Metropolitan Police for the past seven years.

PC Jones served in the British Army with the Royal Military Police, when he was stationed in Edinburgh, Germany, Holland and Bulford, in Wiltshire.

It was while serving at Edinburgh Castle that he met his wife, Julia. Yesterday she paid tribute to her husband: "Chris was a devoted and loving husband for 11 years, and a fantastic and proud daddy to his ten-month-old daughter, Lauren. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him, and never forgotten."

Metropolitan Police Detective Inspector Terry Summers said: "Chris was a well-respected officer who showed great tenacity and devotion to his work. He will be sadly missed, and his death will be a great loss to the Metropolitan Police."

Phil Withers, of Aspen Park, Brynmawr, was an old school friend of Mr Jones, and said the news came as a big shock to the town.

Mr Withers said: "He was a hell of a nice chap who kept himself to himself and got on with things.

"He was a strong boy and a good winger for the school rugby team."

PC Jones was not on duty at the time of the collision. A 49-year-old lorry driver has been arrested in connection with the incident. He was released on police bail until the end of May.