This is the first picture of a police constable who was killed in a motorway crash as he responded to an emergency call.
The officer has been named as 47-year-old Nick Dumphreys, who joined Cumbria Constabulary in 2003, working for the majority of his time with the road policing unit.
PC Dumphreys was alone in a marked car and no other vehicle was involved when the crash happened near Carlisle at about 2pm on Sunday.
His vehicle left the southbound carriageway between junctions 44 and 43.
The officer's devastated family said in a statement: “Nick was a kind and loving husband and father. He was a larger than life character who loved his job and adored his children.
“His passing will leave an enormous hole in all our hearts.
“We would like to thank everyone for their condolences, help and support over the last 24 hours but we would ask now for some time and privacy to come to terms with what has happened.”
Cumbria Constabulary’s Chief Constable Michelle Skeer said: “The sudden death of Police Constable Nick Dumphreys has left everyone within the Constabulary shocked and saddened.
“Nick was an extremely popular and respected officer, not least because of his professionalism, integrity and dedication to policing in Cumbria.
“Colleagues who worked closely with him would describe him as a consummate professional who you could always rely on. He was a big character with an even bigger heart who always put other people first.
“Our thoughts are particularly with his family today who are devastated at his loss, particularly his wife Kat and his young children.”
Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said: “I’m sure the people of Cumbria will join me in expressing out profound sadness at the appalling and tragic loss of Police Constable Nick Dumphreys who died on duty yesterday.
“I know that Nick was a most professional and dedicated officer who was totally committed to protect and serve the public.
“My first thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences are with Nick’s wife, children, friends and colleagues.
“Nick died in the line of duty doing the job at which he excelled, he will be most sadly missed.”
Witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage of the crash or the police vehicle before the collision are asked to contact police on 101.
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