TRIBUTES have been paid to Cleveland Police’s Head of Crime, Detective Chief Superintendent Stewart Swinson, who died earlier today.

Enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding Mr Swinson’s death, but it is not being treated as suspicious.

It is understood the death of the father-of-two is linked to the report of a man's body being found on land close to Yarm High Street, shortly after 9.20am today.

Emergency services were called to the area at Yarm Bridge, opposite The Blue Bell Pub.

Temporary Chief Constable Jacqui Cheer said this afternoon: "He's our head of crime and has been here for nearly 30 years.

"He's going to be a big loss because he was a great police officer.

"I was talking to an inspector today who said that he would never have made it to inspector without Stewart's nurturing, cajoling and encouragement.

"The whole force is in shock and naturally his family is in shock a well.

"We will be with the family and we always take our lead from the family's wishes, how they would like to acknowledge Stewart's life and the wonderful things he achieved.

"There will be people who wish to pay tribute to him, he's touched so many lives.

"Someone told me a story from 16 or 20 years ago where Stewart had made such a difference to his life.

"I had spoken to him [Stewart] recently and he was fine.

"He had been off for two or three weeks, off ill.

"I spoke to him about when he was coming back and what we were going to do together.

"He was an exceptional officer and very gentle.

"He was the sort of guy that if you were picking a team you would pick him first.

"There was just something about him, he always wanted to do the best he possibly could.

"I've only worked here for six months but I think I got to know him quite well.

"When you're dealing with some of the most difficult instances and jobs you need to get to know each other to trust each other.

"And I think we built that bond.

"He will leave a big legacy.

"He's a big loss, I can't imagine how his family are feeling.

"Our thoughts are with them, it's a big loss to his friends and colleagues as well.

"It's been a really big shock because nobody saw it coming.

"You have to try to remember what Stewart achieved.

"The memories we need to cherish are the fun times with him that's the difference between having a celebration of his life or getting mournful.

"People here have kept working today and we do it for Stewart.

"If we don't keep delivering on the job we let him down.

"So we'll keep doing our very best in memory of him."

The Chair of Cleveland Police Authority has expressed ‘great sadness’ over the death.

Stuart Drummond said: “Everyone involved with the force and the authority — and, of course, the many members of the public who had come into contact with him during his career — will feel deep shock at the death of someone admired for his commitment to serving the public.

“I am sure I speak on behalf of the entire authority when I express our condolences and sympathy to his family and friends at this tragic time.”

Mr Swinson was appointed head of crime in May 2010 having previously been Redcar and Cleveland district commander.

He started as a Pc in Stockton before switching to CID, then moved back into uniform and later took on a number of specialist roles, including community safety and emergency planning.

According to the Cleveland Police website, he was a keen sportsman with a particular devotion to triathlon and competed in events across the UK and Europe, including finishing two separate Ironman distance races in Nice, France.