TRIBUTES have poured in to a popular police community support officer who had died.
Greater Manchester Police's Leigh, Atherton and Hindley page confirmed on Sunday that PCSO Dave Ratcliffe had died that day.
Dave was described as "an invaluable member" of the Golborne and Lowton neighbourhood team.
A tribute to Dave on the page read: "It is with great sadness that we post today, that PCSO Dave Ratcliffe passed away earlier today.
"Dave was an invaluable member of the Golborne and Lowton neighbourhood team and had been a fixture in Golborne for so many years, he will be missed an immeasurable amount.
"Our thoughts are with Dave's family at this saddest of times, and we send them our love."
Hundreds of tributes have been posted in memory of Dave.
Donovan P-Plunkett said: "RIP Dave my condolences to your family at this sad time,I have lost a great friend and most certainly the team will not be the same again without you".
Sarah Brown added: "I'd not know Dave for that long, but he was a great friend and colleague and fantastic PCSO, he will be greatly missed and the Golborne team won't be the same without him.. rest in peace buddy. My thoughts go out to his family 😢♥️ xxx"
Chris Kelly wrote: Dave, Put up your boots mate, your shifts done.
"Go and rest now, so sad to see your gone but not forgotten.
"Thoughts and prayers with your family and extended police family".
Jane Dagger added: "I'm in such shock, my partner in crime, my colleague and friend for the past 13 years, work isn't going to be the same without you David. The toast, the pies the cups of tea, the chatting to everyone because you grew up with them, played football with them or generally a listening ear. Golborne is going to have a huge piece missing now you not hear.
My love to your family".
Paul Hesketh said: "Desperately sad news, an absolute gentleman, lovely man who had a great sense of humour and was so professional in work. It was indeed a privilege and pleasure to work with him. Rest in Peace Dave."
Eileen Simpson said: "Such sad news. Dave was a lovely man. He always found time to call round and check my mum and dad were doing ok when we lived in Leigh and then when we moved to Golborne. Condolences to his family, they must be devasted. RIP Dave".
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