Police officer, 44, with nearly 20 years on the force dies suddenly after being arrested for sending sensitive information
PC Claire Browne had previously been arrested following a probe into the sending of sensitive police information from her work email to her personal account.
Before her death, the 44-year-old mother had been served notice of a gross misconduct investigation into her 'honesty and integrity'
She had worked for Hampshire and the Isle of WIght Constabulary since 2006 and was based in the city of Southampton.
PC Browne was found by colleagues at a property in Netley Abbey, Hampshire on the morning of July 7 after concerns were raised for her welfare.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, she could not be saved. Her death has since sparked an independent review of the force's Professional Standards Department.
Her family have since released a touching tribute, saying: 'It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our much-loved Claire.
'She was a dedicated officer who served the force and the community diligently and compassionately for 19 years.
'Claire will be sorely missed by her many friends and colleagues.
'Our family is devastated and we ask for understanding, kindness and privacy during this incredibly difficult time.'
The 44-year-old is the second the second serving police officer to die whilst under investigation by Hampshire Constabulary's Professional Standards Department.
Last February, PC Alex Hazlett-Beard who was a part of the same police force died while under investigation for misconduct.
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has now ordered an independent review of the department which investigates officer's conduct.
'Recent events have understandably raised questions and concerns among officers, staff, and the wider public about how the force handles internal investigations,' the elected official said.
'While the force has appropriately referred this matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), I believe it is also necessary to examine more broadly how the Professional Standards Department operates, particularly in terms of support provided to officers under investigation and the culture of those investigations.'
She continued: 'This review will not interfere with any ongoing investigations or statutory processes but will help the force and me as commissioner to better understand whether the current systems are appropriate, proportionate, and supportive.'
Acting Chief Constable Sam de Reya also paid tribute to the 'well loved and respected officer'.
She said: 'Everyone is extremely shocked and saddened by Claire's death and our thoughts remain with her family, friends and colleagues.
'Claire was a well loved and respected officer and colleague who had worked in many different departments and teams throughout her policing career.
'She will be missed by us all.'
The senior figure has also issued a video message to staff across the force outlining where to access support.
Hampshire Constabulary have referred themselves to police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
A spokesperson said: 'Officers responded to a concern for welfare call at an address in Netley Abbey, at 11am, on Monday 7 July.
'Upon arrival officers discovered a 44-year-old woman requiring medical attention. Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the address.
'The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Moment 'machete-wielding' thugs ambush man, 51, in park attack that left XL Bully dead
Video footage has emerged of an alleged murder bid at a park in Aberdeen that left a 51–year–old man in hospital and his pet XL Bully dog dead. The man was allegedly attacked at Eric Hendrie Park – known among long–term locals as 'the Woodies' – in the Mastrick area of the city at 8.30pm on Sunday. Footage shared among locals in the area appears to show an altercation between two men in the park, a man being ambushed by an armed gang and further video of what appears to be an XL Bully dog attacking armed men. Police investigating the incident are treating it as attempted murder. A hunt for suspects is underway. Horrifying footage appears to show a man in a short–sleeved shirt being set upon by a group of men in dark clothing, one of whom holds what appears to be a machete aloft as the white Mini races into view, its passenger door open. He appears to strike his target, who falls backwards as a man in blue joins the rush towards him. Video shot from another angle close to the violent attack shows the man who was attacked kneeling in front of the Mini the man dressed in blue clothing appears to move towards him. He is closely followed by the machete–wielding man, who is dressed head–to–toe in dark clothing, who appears to take a swing out of shot. Whether his weapon finds its mark cannot be seen as the car continues revving its engine. But as he swings, a dog runs into view and attacks the man, who appears to then strike the dog with the blade. In footage shot from another angle, the man who appears to be armed can be seen running down a small hill, pursued by the dog, as the car continues revving its engine. Two other people in dark clothing can be seen retreating in the direction of a play area as the man appears to strike the dog with the machete again. The animal continues barking as he runs and stumbles, attempting to jump onto the bonnet of the car as the animal attacks him from the rear. For a further minute, the car drives through the park towards nearby Deveron Road, pursued by the dog. Another man, who appears to be armed with a knife, follows the car as it drives in a circle on the grass. The Mini then drives onto the road, its bodywork crunching as it hits the tarmac, as an eyewitness remarks: 'F****** nightmare.' It draws to a stop, the dog apparently still circling, and the footage ends. Police say enquiries are ongoing to trace those involved in the incident and as yet have made no arrests. The 51–year–old man was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where his condition was described as 'serious, but stable'. Detective Sergeant Emma Low of Police Scotland said: 'Our investigation is at an early stage to establish the exact circumstances surrounding this incident. 'Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact officers through 101 quoting incident number 3236 of 27 July, 2025. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.' The force was contacted for further comment.
BBC News
26 minutes ago
- BBC News
Serving Cleveland Police officer in court for child sex offences
A serving police officer has appeared in court charged with child sex Nathan Henderson, 30, of Norton, Stockton, has been charged with 11 counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child and one count of perverting the course of entered no pleas when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and Police said PC Henderson had been suspended and it had referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as was mandatory. The bearded officer, who wore a grey sweatshirt and black trousers, used a walking stick to enter the was remanded in custody until his next hearing on 28 August at Durham Crown force said the officer had been "arrested and suspended from duty on Monday". Additional reporting by PA Media. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Standards watchdog opens Nigel Farage probe after peer complaint
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is under investigation by Parliament's standards watchdog. The probe concerns the 'registration of an interest' and stems from a complaint made by a member of the House of Lords. Mr Farage said that the inquiry is not related to any undeclared income. The investigation began on 28 July and falls under paragraph 5 of the code of conduct, which governs the timely registration of financial interests and benefits. This follows a recent case where Chancellor Rachel Reeves was found to have inadvertently breached parliamentary rules by failing to declare gifts on time. Nigel Farage under investigation by parliamentary watchdog
