Tributes to PC Andy Hocking have been flooding in from far and wide with no signs of them abating yet, as friends and colleagues share their thoughts and pass on their condolences to his family.

READ: Untimely death of PC Andy Hocking leads to outpouring of grief

READ: Andy Hocking memorial parade to take place in Falmouth on Saturday


Falmouth’s mayor, John Body, said: “It is with tremendous sadness and shock that I learned of Andy’s passing. I regarded him as a true friend not just our community police officer. He was also a proper friend to our community.


“He never failed to make me laugh and to give me perspective on matters. He was always there with a story and a joke. The most approachable police officer I have ever known. But he remained a true professional and was a fount of wisdom and advice on local issues. He will be sadly missed by me and by us all.”


A statement issued on behalf of all councillors, added: “Falmouth Town Council was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of PC Andy Hocking. Andy was the epitome of a true community police officer. An ever present and ever able patroller of our town centre.


“He was an ambassador for Falmouth and a passionate voice in helping us secure services such as CCTV, public toilets etc. He supported all civic and community functions and initiatives, often in his own time. He assisted us in delivering residents’ surgeries, he had a real desire for helping people with their issues and offered practical and common-sense solutions. Always with a smile. The true face of local policing, we are very proud that he was part of our community.”


Penryn’s mayor, Gill Grant said: “It was with great sadness that we learnt of the death of PC Andy Hocking yesterday. Andy was a ‘community’ policeman in every sense of the word. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family at this time.”


MP Sarah Newton said: “I worked closely with Andy and listened carefully to his point of view as I knew he was passionate about Falmouth and the people we both served. He was a true professional and the epitome of a neighbourhood police officer. I will miss him greatly.”


Falmouth town manager, Richard Gates, said: “It has been a complete shock, Andy was part of so many people’s lives. He did so much for so many and his smile was infectious and he was a brilliant example who would give up his time for anyone.”


Falmouth BID manager, Richard Wilcox added: “Andy was Mr Falmouth, a fantastic ambassador who loved what he did and the town he did it in, always prepared to go the extra mile to get the job done and support the community he served so well.

“When he was on duty, Andy would call into our town team office daily for updates and briefings on activity, festivals, marketing and more, doing whatever he could to develop and improve Falmouth, and further reach its potential. Our thoughts are with Sally and the rest of Andy's family, friends and colleagues.”

A spokesman for Falmouth Marine Band said: “From all the members, past and present, our hearts and feelings are with Andy's family at this tragic time. We are numb at the news of his passing. We really cannot express what Andy meant to us.

“Andy was Falmouth through and through and he is loved and respected by so many. Without Andy's help we would not have a marching carnival. Behind the scenes he knew of all our marches, and would always be either escorting us, or sometimes just smiling and clapping as we passed by.

“Andy was a real copper, loved and respected by all. This year’s carnival will be dedicated to Andy and his beloved family. Falmouth Marine Band are proud to have been so close to such a special man, the likes of which will never will be seen again.”

Jacqui Owen, visitor and education officer at Gyllyngdune Gardens, said: “Can’t get my head around the devastating news. One of the loveliest, kindest, funniest people I know. He always had a huge smile on his face and always had me in stitches with his stories - it was a complete joy to share his company.

“Falmouth has lost an absolute legend, the impact of which no words can express. My heart goes out to Sally, the girls and all his family. RIP Andy, you superstar.”

Shaun Davie, chairman of Falmouth and District Hotels’ Association, said: “It is the greatest sadness to hear that Andy Hocking has passed away. He was so diligent in everything he did, the face and the smile that represented Falmouth and the community spirit Falmouth has, he will be greatly missed by so many. On behalf of all of us here at Visit Falmouth, (FDHA), we wish to express our sorrow and extend our deepest sympathy to his wife, family, colleagues and numerous friends.”

Falmouth Bay Residents’ Association (FBRA) said: “Like everyone else, we were shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Andy Hocking. He was part of the heart and soul of Falmouth; loved and respected in equal measure by all who knew him. Our sympathies and thoughts are with his wife Sally, his family and close friends.

“Andy was a great friend and supporter of FBRA; we were involved in many joint initiatives and had regular meetings to discuss neighbourhood policing and broader community issues. We know that all our members valued this close working relationship; something we will struggle hard to replace. We will miss you Andy and can’t help but feel that we will not see your like again.”

Headteacher, Claire Fortey, said: “On behalf of all pupils, staff and governors at King Charles and St Francis schools, I would like to pay tribute to Andy; a wonderful man who supported us all. We will always be grateful for his smile, his warmth, his commitment and his never ending positivity.

“Andy was known and loved by every single one of us, every child and every adult; he was always a reassuring presence, a caring friend and a devoted supporter of our community. I can’t and don’t want to imagine Falmouth without him. Our thoughts and prayers are now with Sally and all of Andy’s family.”

Professor Anne Carlisle, vice chancellor and CEO and Falmouth University, where Sally Hocking works in the estates’ office, said: “The news came as a terrible shock to so many of us. Our thoughts are with Sally, Megan and Grace at this difficult time. He will be greatly missed by the university and the whole of Falmouth. Andy was always friendly, helpful and professional with staff and students alike and will be terribly missed.”

A tribute issued on behalf of the University of Exeter in Cornwall, shared services staff from Falmouth University and the University of Exeter, and the Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union, FXU, said:

“Falmouth has lost an exemplary public servant, a great friend and a community champion who was truly devoted to the town and all of its people. 

Students and staff will be joining the memorial march on Saturday to pay their respects to a wonderful man whose passing leaves an enormous void.”

Local boatman George Pill remembers the time he was arrested by PC Hocking during a scuffle in Mylor around 12 years ago – and how he drove them both back to Falmouth. 

Mr Pill recalled: “He said, ‘You’re under arrest George’. I said, ‘I’m not walking back to Falmouth.’ So I drove him back to Falmouth in my van. He told me to put my seatbelt on so I didn’t break the law.”

He added that he considered PC Hocking a personal friend, saying: “What a gentleman. It’s a terrible, terrible thing. He had a job to do and he did it to the best of his ability. 

“He sorted things out in his own way. I owe a lot of gratitude to that man, I really do.”