Tributes have poured in from across the county and beyond following the death of a “highly respected” serving police officer.

Lancashire Constabulary's Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson, died at his home over the weekend, aged just 50.

Lancashire Police issued a statement on Sunday (December 10) with Chief Constable Chris Rowley offering his “deepest condolences” to ACC Lawson’s family.

Lancashire Telegraph: ACC Peter LawsonACC Peter Lawson (Image: NQ Staff)

The force said it believes ACC Lawson’s death to be 'medical-related' and the case has been referred to HM Coroner.

Chief Constable Rowley, said: “This is incredibly sad and tragic news. My thoughts and prayers are with all of Pete’s family and friends at this difficult time.

“Pete’s death will come as a shock to the entire force and the wider police family across the country.

"He was an outstanding officer who served the communities of Lancashire with pride. He was also highly respected and admired by all who knew him and worked with him.

“Our deepest condolences go out to his family and we will support them as much as we can.

“We want to respect their privacy and would ask that the public and media do so too.

“We will offer support to all our staff and those who worked with Pete, as we mourn his loss.”

Lancashire Telegraph: ACC Peter LawsonACC Peter Lawson (Image: NQ Staff)

MP for Blackburn, Kate Hollern, said: “Peter’s tragic death is incredibly sad news – my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

“A highly respected Assistant Chief Constable, Peter was admired by all those who knew and worked with him. His mark on the communities he’s served will have a lasting impact and he will be greatly missed.

“I send my deepest condolences to those affected by Peter’s very sad passing.”

Denise Park, chief executive of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “The council works in partnership with Lancashire Constabulary and we share the sadness being felt across the county and beyond. Our thoughts go to those closest to Peter who clearly was much loved and respected.

“I know that he will be remembered for his great leadership style. I worked closely with Peter during the response to the Covid pandemic. He was considered and thoughtful which made him a perfect colleague during such challenging times for our communities.”  

Ribble Valley Council chief executive, Marshal Scott, said: “We worked closely with Peter during the pandemic, and this is very sad news.

"Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time.”

Councillor Asjad Mahmood, leader of Pendle Council, said: "We're deeply saddened by this news and our sincere condolences go out to Peter's family, friends and colleagues."

Lancashire’s police and crime commissioner, Andrew Snowden posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I was devastated to be informed that Lancashire Police Assistant Chief Constable, Pete Lawson, had died at home.

“ACC Lawson represented the very best of policing. He embodied the values of service, duty and integrity. It has been an honour to have worked with him.

“I will miss Pete and Lancashire has lost a dedicated and capable public servant. He had such an incredible intellect and insight, a calm and reassuring presence - and that sharp wit and warming smile.

“My thoughts are with his wife, family, friends and the wider police family.”

Richard Duggan, editor of the Lancashire Telegraph, said: "Everyone at the Lancashire Telegraph was deeply saddened to hear the news of assistant chief constable Peter Lawson's passing - his death is a great loss to the community.

"Our thoughts go out to his loved ones at this difficult time."

Angie Ridgwell, chief executive of Lancashire County Council, said: "We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lawson.

"He was highly respected and well-liked by our officers and councillors, many of whom he worked with very closely.

"We offer our thoughts and deepest condolences to his family, friends and all who knew and worked with him."

Police Federation chair Zeg Awan said on X: "All at Lancashire Police Federation are devastated at the news of the death of ACC Peter Lawson.

"Pete was a lovely man, well liked and respected by all. Our thoughts are with Pete's family, friends and close colleagues at this awful time."

A spokesperson from Blackpool Council said: “We are deeply saddened to hear this sad news.

"ACC Peter Lawson worked closely with many councillors and officers, he was well liked and respected by all.

“Our thoughts are with his loved ones and Lancashire Police colleagues.”

Former director of public health at Blackburn with Darwen Council, Professor Dominic Harrison, said: “I worked closely with Peter during the Covid pandemic. He was wise, kind, generous and humble and a really good police officer.

“He always did the right thing. Deepest condolences to his family and friends.”

A spokesperson for the North-West Regional Organised Crime Unit said: “We are incredibly saddened to hear of the death of ACC Peter Lawson of Lancashire Police.

“Our thoughts are with Peter's family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time.”

A spokesperson for the National Police Chief’s Council said: “Absolutely tragic news. Our thoughts are with colleagues at Lancashire Police this evening, and all who knew and loved ACC Peter Lawson. RIP.”