Family of serving policeman, 39, found dead in his Kidderminster home with his three-year-old son tell of their 'deep shock, grief and devastation at their loss'
The family of a serving police officer found dead in his Kidderminster home with his three-year-old son tonight told of their 'deep shock, grief and devastation' at their loss.
The bodies of David Louden, 39, and his young son Harrison were discovered in the Worcestershire town by officers from West Mercia Police following concerns for their welfare.
In a statement issued through the force, relatives said: 'David was a kind, loving, considerate, amazing father, husband, son, brother, uncle, friend and colleague.
'Harrison was a happy, well-loved little boy. They will both be forever missed and loved.'
Police said the deaths are currently being treated as unexplained and an investigation has been launched.
Emergency crews found the body of West Mercia Police officer Dave Louden, 39, and a three-year-old child at a property in Kidderminster, Worcestershire
The scene on Cairndhu Drive in Kidderminster where police are conducting a forensic investigation
Forensic officers continued to work at the property in Kidderminster following the tragedy on Friday morning
The scene has been guarded by two marked police cars and uniformed officers were stood at the bottom of the property's drive.
The force said that the family have asked for privacy in order to have the time to grieve in peace.
Ambulances, paramedics and a Hazardous Area Response team also atended the property on Friday.
Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Jones said: 'It is with great sadness that I share the news that a serving police officer and a three-year-old child have passed away.
'While the circumstances of the deaths are not fully known, this is clearly a tragic incident and our deepest condolences are with family and colleagues.'
A police spokesman said: 'Earlier today we attended an address in Cairndhu Drive in Kidderminster following concerns for the welfare of a man and young child.
'On arrival officers found the man, aged 39, and a three-year-old child had sadly passed away. The man was a serving West Mercia Police officer.
'We have launched an investigation into the deaths, which are currently being treated as unexplained. It is with great sadness that we share this news today.
'Whilst the circumstances surrounding the deaths are not fully known, this is clearly a tragic incident. Our deepest condolences are with the officer's family, friends and colleagues.'
Cairndhu Drive in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, where the discovery was made (file image)
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: 'We were called to reports of a medical emergency at a property on Cairndhu Drive at 9.21am.
'Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and our Hazardous Area Response Team attended the scene. On arrival we discovered two patients, a man and a young child.
'Sadly, it quickly became apparent that neither patient could be saved and they were confirmed dead at the scene.'
Kidderminster is a large market town with an estimated population of 55,000, and is located 17 miles south-west of Birmingham.