Police officers pay tribute to 'much-loved' married father-of-three detective constable, 53, and 'powerhouse' intelligence worker, 61, after they both die from coronavirus

• John Coker, 53, was admitted to hospital after being taken ill on March 22
• Detective Constable had been transferred to ICU to receive critical treatment
• He had worked for BTP for more than ten years and was based at London Euston
• Marcia Pryce, 61, from Manchester Police's intelligence bureau, died on April 2 

Tributes were paid today to a detective constable and police intelligence worker in different forces who have both died after contracting coronavirus.

Detective Constable John Coker, 53, was admitted to hospital after being taken ill on March 22 and transferred to an intensive care unit to receive critical treatment.

The married father-of-three had been part of British Transport Police for more than ten years and was working with London Euston station's criminal investigation team.

Separately, it was revealed today that Marcia Pryce, 61, from Greater Manchester Police's force intelligence bureau, died on April 2 after contracting the infection.

Detective Constable John Coker (left), 53, died last night after contracting coronavirus, while Greater Manchester Police's Marcia Pryce (right) died on April 2 after catching the infection

Paying tribute to Mr Coker, BTP Chief Constable Paul Crowther said: 'My thoughts are with John's family, for whom the last three weeks have been incredibly difficult and who will be struggling to deal with this most distressing outcome.

'Local colleagues have been in constant contact with John's wife and will pass on the heartfelt condolences of us all. BTP will continue that support over the coming days, weeks and months.

Understandably this is a very difficult time for John's wife and family and they have asked for privacy. My thoughts are also with the many officers and staff who worked alongside John, as we each come to terms with this truly awful news.

'John has been part of the BTP family for over a decade and became a Detective Constable within the CID department at Euston where he was much loved and respected by all those he worked with.

Mr Coker had been had been Detective Constable at London Euston station's criminal investigation department

'His colleagues remember a man who was charismatic, kind and thoughtful and took everything in his stride. He will be greatly missed by all in the force.'

Mr Coker is survived by his wife and their three children. A spokesman for the British Transport Police Federation said his death was 'devastating news'.

They added: 'John's loss will be felt throughout the force. We are supporting his family. Thank you for your kind words, we will ensure they know how much John will be missed.'

Tributes have poured in from police forces and fellow officers around the country, with one saying he was a 'good man and will be terribly missed'. 

Another said: 'Awful, awful news. Condolences to his family, friends and colleagues across the BTP. Thank you for your service John, and rest in peace.'

A third added: 'Sorry for your loss and thoughts go to John's family. Tragic to think he would be looking forward to retirement in the coming years too.'

Tributes have also been paid to Ms Pryce, who worked for Greater Manchester Police for more than 30 years.

Her sister Amira Asantewa said: 'Marcia was a powerhouse, a positive influence in my life and the lives of the many people she knew and loved. 

'She didn't have children of her own, but she had more godchildren than we can count and they meant so much to her. Many are now adults but still refer to her lovingly as 'Aunty Marce'.

'She taught us how to be independent and pursue your goals, even if no-one believed in you or them, how to enjoy life and connect with people from all walks of life.

'She was someone you could count on, turn to knowing that she would support and help. It could be a simple conversation, some advice, a beautifully baked cake or a fun evening out. She was passionate and full of life, you wanted to be on her team, you wanted her in your corner. 

'Particularly in her long career with GMP, she touched the lives of so many friends and colleagues over the years and made relationships that lasted a life time. She will always be remembered for her strong work ethic and powerful personality.

'No-one expected this loss, this emptiness, but Marcia would want us to go on, to keep each other close and have a cheeky drink to celebrate a life cut short, but a life full of love and joy, when we can once again meet each other.'

Britain is at or near the peak of an outbreak of the virus in which 15,464 people have already died - the fifth highest national death toll of the global pandemic.

There have been 114,217 cases across Britain and the country will remain in lockdown until at least May 7, the Government announced on Thursday.