Children 'devastated' by officer dad's death

THE children of a Lothian and Borders Police officer who was found dead have spoken of their "devastating" loss.

Pc John Burke's children, aged 12 and 16, said they were in shock following the discovery of his body in a patch of open ground in the Cowpits area of Musselburgh last Thursday.

In a statement released by police, the children, who asked not to be named, said: "We are still shocked by the news. He was an amazing dad and we still can't believe that we will never see him again.

"We were so proud of him and the work he did as a police dog handler.

"We were full of admiration for his achievements in karate where he was a black belt.

"It is devastating to think he will not be here to protect us anymore.

"We loved him so much and he loved us more than anything."

Pc Burke, 41, worked as a dog handler with Lothian and Borders Police for 22 years.

His body was found on open ground by a member of the public who was walking in the area. Police are treating the death as "unexplained".

A spokesman said: "Inquiries are under way in order to establish the circumstances surrounding his death, which at this time is unexplained.

"Our sincere condolences go to his family at this difficult time."