MONMOUTH Police Station’s inquiry desk will be closed tomorrow (March 9) as officers say farewell to a popular PC who died suddenly.

Father-of-four PC Leighton Yhnell, 51, was based at the station when he died unexpectedly at his Garndiffaith home on Friday, February 16.

Flags at Gwent Police were lowered to half mast in honour of PC Leighton Yhnell, who became a policeman after a career in the Royal Artillery, where he reached the rank of sergeant major in the Royal Artillery.

Station staff posted a tribute to him the day after his death, calling him “one of the finest officers.”

His colleagues added: “He had a heart of gold and always had a story to tell. The station is very quiet today without him here. Always in our thoughts and in our hearts.”

Another post said: “RIP PC Yhnell, once a hero definitely always a hero,” while PC Chris Smith said “RIP brother in blue,” and Dylan Hughes added “RIP PC Yhnell – a huge loss to the community.”

He leaves a wife Anna-Marie, and four children Tom, Bethan, Evie and Iolo.

His funeral on Friday takes place at 12 noon at St Alban’s RC Church in Pontypool, followed by interment at Varteg Road Cemetery, Blaenavon.