A policeman died today in Workington after part of the town’s Northside Road bridge collapsed under the volume of water sweeping down the river Derwent.

He had been called-out to warn early-morning motorists off the bridge which had been reported to be moving in the wind.

The dead officer was 44-year-old Bill Barker, who was due to celebrate his birthday tomorrow.

Brendan Pickering from nearby Burrow Walls, Northside, had been out to walk his dogs just after 5am when he heard a loud crash.

“I could see right through to the cars on Tesco car park which I shouldn’t have. Part of the parapet had obviously gone.

“There was a hole in the road near the white line and I had to go out and stop lorries and cars coming in from the Maryport end of the bridge, telling them to turn back.

“I rang the police and told them but they said they already knew. However it seemed to me they were talking about Navvies Bridge and I emphasised it was Northside Bridge.

“I saw the police van draw up on the other side and saw the officers get out. I turned round to see I any other vehicles were approaching and then I heard the bridge go. It was awful. I couldn’t see the policeman,” said Mr Pickering.

Navvies Bridge, used by pedestrians going from town to Northside and back past the cricket ground and the bowling club, had buckled during the night and also was eventually swept away.

Later in the day Chief Constable Craig Mackey confirmed that the body found on a beach at Allonby had been that of PC Barker.
 
He said: "Over the last few days Cumbria has faced some of the most severe weather conditions ever and Bill was amongst the hundreds of officers and staff dedicated to rescuing local people and ensuring the safety of our communities. He was directing motorists safely off Northside Bridge, saving lives, when the tragic incident occurred.
 
 "Bill was a wonderful police officer and a real family man. He leaves behind a wife and four children in their home in Egremont- two boys and two girls - aged between 8 and 16. He was due to to celebrate his 45th birthday tomorrow. Bill is a hero who died saving the lives of others and our thoughts are with his family at this devastating time. He was a much loved friend, colleague and an inspiration to everyone he knew - he will be sadly missed.
 
"His friends say he loved being a Police officer and, a passionate biker, he was part of the Constabulary's dedicated Roads Policing Unit. He was a sterling officer and had won a number of awards throughout his 25 year service with Cumbria Constabulary. 
 
"Whilst this is an extremely difficult time for everyone involved in the rescue operation, our officers and staff continue to work valiantly to ensure the public remains safe."

The dead man’s wife Hazel paid this family tribute - How do you put into words how you feel about somebody you are so proud of? Bill was my best friend, my forever friend, and an amazing dad. Even when he was exhausted from work he would always take time out for the kids.
 
"I have the comfort of knowing that Bill died doing the job he loved and the fact that he was helping others is just typical Bill.
 
"I'd now ask that the media respect the family's privacy at this time and leave us to grieve in peace."

As the weather improved during the day there were still concerns over another bridge over the swollen river Derwent at the bottom of Calva Brow and motorists and pedestrians were directed well away.

It means Seaton residents face a long detour to get into Workington from the Cockermouth direction.

In Workington residents of Hall Park View had to be evacuated as water backed-up from the river and across the road into Curwen Park.

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