A flag is flying at half-mast in Borehamwood today in honour of a police sergeant who has died.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has paid tribute to one of its own and mother-of-two Leah McDermott who died on June 26 from cancer.

The 46-year-old was most recently sergeant of the safer neighbourhood team in Borehamwood and Elstree.

On the day the police force say their final goodbyes to Mrs McDermott, a flag is at half-mast outside the civic offices in Borehamwood.

The image of the flag was shared by Hertsmere Borough Council, which tweeted its thoughts are with Leah's family, colleagues and friends on the day of her funeral.

Borehamwood Times:

Detective Superintendent Clare Smith, who was transferred from her role as Chief Inspector in Hertsmere earlier this year, tweeted: "Today is a sad day for us @HertsmerePolice as we say finale goodbyes to our outstanding colleague and beautiful friend.

"Not being there in person makes it more brutal but we take comfort in recognising the impact she made and for that she remains forever in our hearts. RIP Leah."

Mrs McDermott joined the police force in 1995 as a call handler, but in 2002 followed in her father's footsteps to become an officer.

During her 18 year career with the police, Mrs McDermott worked in Stevenage as a custody officer and a safer neighbourhood team sergeant in Bushey and Radlett, before switching to Borehamwood and Elstree.

Borehamwood Times:

Leah McDermott. Credit: Hertfordshire Constabulary

She was married to Karl and had twin girls, Chloe and Abbie, who were born in 2009.

In a tribute last week, Inspector Vicki Richards, Mrs McDermott's former manager and close friend, described her as an "inspiration".

She added: "Leah was incredibly organised, motivated, knowledgeable and caring, whilst still maintaining an air of authority and strength of character immediately apparent to officers and offenders alike. Leah was an extraordinary person and an outstanding police officer who I have been honoured to work with."