A DETECTIVE who died when his sports car crashed on the motorway was an award-winning officer whose death has stunned colleagues across the force.

Detective Sergeant Mick Thornber, 48, had lived and worked in the Blackburn area most of his 29-year-career and had received four top commendations for his work.

He was killed when his car crashed on the M56 motorway in Cheshire on Sunday.

Colleagues today paid tribute to DS Thornber and described him as a "committed officer" who was "held in high regard".

Acting Chief Constable Steve Finnigan, Lancashire's top police officer, said: "He was a highly professional detective and his knowledge and understanding of local communities was exceptional.

"This was reflected in him receiving three Chief Constable commendations for good police work and a judicial commendation for his part in a complex and demanding investigation."

Yesterday, DS Thornber's family were due to identify his body following the crash, which Cheshire police say occurred when his silver MG ZR car left the carriageway at about 2.40pm. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Acting Superintendent Tony Ronnan, operations manager at eastern division and a friend of DS Thornber, said: "Mick Thornber spent the vast majority of his service in the Eastern policing division, partic-ularly in the Blackburn and Darwen areas, where he served as both a detective and uniformed officer.

"He was committed to protecting the community and achieved some notable successes, particularly in tackling the supply of drugs.

"Mick enjoyed his work immensely and one measure of just how successful he was, was the fact that it was not just a case of Mick knowing criminals, but that they knew who he was.

"He was held in very high regard and his sudden death has come as a massive shock to all of us, particularly colleagues who were closest to him.

"It was only last year that Mick decided to move to a post at headquarters.

"I discussed this move with him at some length and what was important to Mick, as he moved towards retirement, was that he knew he would be able to continue to support this division in our efforts to tackle crime.

"Had that not been the case, I know he would not have moved, such was the affinity he felt for this area and its communities.

"Mick will be missed terribly, particularly by colleagues who had worked alongside him for a long time.

"Our hearts go out to his partner, Anne, also an officer here and to his family, who we are in close contact with at this time."

Det Supt Tim Jacques added: "For the last 12 months Mick worked within headquarters intelligence department where he put his extensive experiences and knowledge to good use.

"Mick was an enthusiastic member of any team he worked in and basically a thoroughly decent man whose company will be greatly missed by all those who knew him."

Cheshire police are still appealing for information about the crash, and a red saloon car which may have been involved.

Anybody who can help should call 0845 458 0000.