Tributes have been paid today to the deputy commander of Warminster Garrison Lieutenant Colonel Robert Shaw, after his body was found on Sunday.

Police officers were called to a car parked in Fairford Road, Quenington, near Cirencester, at about 8am on Sunday following reports of a deceased man.

The death is not being treated as suspicious by police and his next of kin and the coroner have been informed.

Colonel Peter Merriman MBE, Commander Warminster Garrison, has paid tribute to Lt Col Robert Shaw.

He said: “Lt Col Robert Shaw was a friend, mentor and leader to many of us, well known throughout the Garrison and wider Warminster civilian community for his tremendous dedication to helping other people.

“His humanity, loyalty and integrity won him popularity and respect in every quarter.

“He understood the complexities of running the large and diverse organisation that is the Garrison and was a constant champion for it, and those who work in it. He will be deeply missed by all of us.

“The depth of our loss is as nothing compared to that of his family, and it is they who we think of first at this most difficult of times.”

A statement from Gloucestershire Police said: “At around 8am on Sunday June 2, officers were called to Fairford Road, Quenington, near Cirencester following reports of a deceased man.

“The body is believed to be that of a 52-year-old man from Warminster. Police are not treating the death as suspicious. The man's next of kin and the coroner have both been informed.”

An inquest into the death is expected to be opened and adjourned tomorrow.