FORMER West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner Bill Longmore, has died at the age of 79.

Mr Longmore died peacefully at his home near Shrewsbury on May 17th following a long battle with cancer.

He was elected in 2012 as the first police and crime commissioner setting policing priorities across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.

Incumbent police and crime commissioner John Campion said he was very sad to hear of Mr Longmore’s passing.

He said: “My thoughts are naturally with his wife, and extended family and friends at this time.”

“Bill dedicated much of his life to serving the public, both as a police officer, and as West Mercia’s first Police and Crime Commissioner, but I am aware that his commitment to helping local communities extended well beyond that.

“Through his involvement in sport, business and other local groups Bill made a lot of friends and helped a lot of people.

“The energy Bill brought to the PCC role, particularly through the challenges he faced, was admirable and showed just how committed he was to making life better for the community around him.

“As such I am sure his loss will be felt by many people.”