Policeman (60) who served in Burnley and Nelson dies in Spain

A former Burnley policeman has died at his home on the Costa Blanca in Spain, after a heart attack .
David Newton (S)David Newton (S)
David Newton (S)

Originally from Burnley, Mr David Newton (60) and his wife Rachel had spent the past few years “living the dream” in Spain.

He was son of the late Joe and Jean Newton and had completed 30 years with Lancashire Constabulary before retired in 2003 as a sergeant.

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He followed his father Joe into the force in 1969 as a cadet and worked in Burnley as a constable until 1976 when his love of motorcycles saw him join the Traffic Branch on motorbikes, based at Burnley and later Colne.

He then spent a short spell with the Task Force in Nelson until promotion followed and he returned to Burnley.

A former colleague said: “Dave was a fine athlete, a great bobby and was one of the good guys.”

He shone from an early age at table tennis which took him all over the world. He played at national level and represented England. He also then went to play at national level in Spain recently, as well as coaching a Murcia junior team who are devastated by his death.

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He played the night he died, winning two matches. He had played table tennis for Nelson Cricket Club.

His prowess with a table tennis bat saw him represent his police force and the Great Britain Police table tennis team. He won the British Police Championship several times. Former Burnley goalkeeper Alan Stevenson paid tribute to Mr Newton, saying he was one of his favourite opposition players.

David was cremated in Spain on May 22nd. His wife, Rachel, and his family would like to invite former colleagues, TT pals, family and friends to the Alma Inn, Colne on June 24th at 7pm to a celebration of his life and listen to some of his favourite tunes.

Any donations in David’s memory will be used for a memorial TT event.