THE death of a serving police officer is to be investigated by way of an inquest.

An inquest into the death of Joe Pennington was formally opened at Warrington Coroner’s Court on Wednesday.

The Widnes resident, who joined Merseyside Police in November 2022, died at his home address on New Year’s Day aged just 32.

He is described as a respected and valued member of the team, who really enjoyed his time working alongside his colleagues and took pride in his role as a police officer.

His partner returned home after work and found him on the floor unresponsive.

Police and paramedics were called and attended, however, despite CPR, he was pronounced dead.

A coroner officer stated that the reason for an inquest being requested was due to the cause of death being ‘unnatural’.

They requested that an inquest be opened and adjourned for further work to be completed.

This was granted by Jacqueline Devonish, senior coroner for Cheshire.

She said: “On the evidence I have heard, I am satisfied Joe Pennington will require an inquest.

“I therefore formally open an inquest and adjourn to be heard on June 3.”

A fundraiser has been set up in his memory, with colleagues, family and friends climbing to the summit of Mount Snowdon later this month.

This has already raised close to £1,700, and all donations will go directly to Thin Blue Line charity, which has a sole aim to support police mental health and wellbeing services.

It can be viewed by visiting gofundme.com/f/a-hike-for-joe

Thin Blue Line, said: “We are honoured that we are the charity to be supported.

“This demonstrates only too well why we are so passionate about mental health, about breaking those barriers and asking officers to recognise when they are getting it tight and to reach out.

“We are here to help, we will provide free, unlimited access to counselling and support, and we will continue to advocate wherever we can about supporting officers.”