Tributes have been pouring in for a 22-year-old Trowbridge police officer who died after he crashed his patrol car into a tree near Bradford on Avon.

PC Daniel Cooper was on his way to an incident, believed to be in Southwick, when he lost control of his patrol car on a left hand bend along Westwood Road, at about 8pm last night.

PC Cooper, who has been with Wiltshire Police since May 2007, suffered serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A tribute site has been set up on social network website Facebook, called 'In Memory of Dan Cooper. The nicest guy you could ever hope to meet'.

Scores of tributes have already been left from friends and fellow officers.

One says: "Yet another tragic loss, I didn't have the pleasure of working with Dan, but was fortunate to have him in classes during his training as a Special and a PC. What an absolute star he was - enthusiastic, easy going and so dedicated and proud to be part of Wiltshire Police."

Another, from Keith Harford, says: "I can't quite believe that Dan has left us so soon, he was a really nice guy, pleasant to talk to fun to be around, it's so unfair that his life has been cut short in such a tragic way. My thoughts are with his family at this sad time, God bless you Dan."

PC Cooper's family are being supported by the force, and have asked that no flowers be left at the crash scene.

Chief Superintendent Steve Hedley said: "This is a tragic loss of a highly regarded and very popular young officer who was just at the beginning of his career of service to the public.

"It highlights the daily risks that our police officers face as part of their role.

"We offer our most sincere condolences to Dan’s family and are supporting them as best we can. His colleagues, many of whom are close friends, and the force as a whole are deeply saddened by his loss."

PC Cooper was a trained police driver and a full investigation is under way to find out why his car left the road.

The Health and Safety Executive and the Independent Police Complaints Commission have been informed of the death.

Wiltshire Police said its force flags will be flown at half mast as a mark of respect.

If anyone can help police with the inquiry into the crash, call the Serious Collision Investigation Team on 0845 408 7000.

To leave a tribute for PC Daniel Cooper, click on the comment button below.