Car crash PC ‘larger than life character’

PRAISE Nick Dumphreys

TRIBUTES have been paid to a “larger than life” police officer who died on duty in a car crash.

PC Nick Dumphreys, 47, was in an accident on the M6 near Carlisle, Cumbria, on Sunday. No other vehicles were involved.

He was commended for his bravery when, in 2016, he helped save elderly and vulnerable people from a major fire at a residential home in nearby Penrith.

His family said: “Nick was a kind and loving husband and father… a larger than life character who loved his job and adored his children.”

Cumbria Chief Con Michelle Skeer praised Nick’s integrity and dedication and said: “He was a big character with an even bigger heart who always put others first.”

CASUALTY’S Charlie Fairhead is beside himself with worry when wife Duffy goes missing in freezing conditions.

The former nurse, played by Cathy Shipton, is suffering from dementia and her condition has deteriorated rapidly.

Last year Shipton announced she would be leaving the show as Lisa “Duffy” Duffin after 33 years and 350 episodes, having been in the show since the pilot in 1986.

In harrowing scenes to be screened on Saturday, Charlie wakes up to find that Duffy is gone.

Charlie, played by Derek Thompson, rushes out into the snow and eventually finds her, cold and unconscious.

A source said: “Charlie’s going to have a rough time of it in the coming months. He’s going to some dark places.”

LONG SERVICE Pair in 1997

Charlie looks for wife