MORE than £21,000 has been donated to support the family of police constable Nick Dumphreys.

The hugely popular 47-year-old roads policing officer, who was the father of two young children, died in a crash on the M6 near Carlisle.

His policing colleagues from Cumbria Police Federation - representing rank and file officers - have set up an online JustGiving fundraiser to support the officer's heartbroken family.

Donations have poured in, as have fresh tributes.

Caring, funny, and decent, PC Dumphreys - whose collar number was 1724 - is being fondly remembered by those those who knew him, including many of his colleagues in the force.

Here are just some of the tributes posted on the JustGiving page:

* David Grogan: "It's brave guys like P C Dumphreys who give so much to their community helping protecting and saving lives. Although his family and close friends will be broken-hearted they should be immensely proud of a fine young officer who gave his life helping others. Rest in Peace."

Marcus: "Had the honour of completing a 5 week residential course with Nick some years ago. He was a genuine, honest gentleman, who even gave me a South African tie which I treasure. He will never be forgotten.!

* Damien Blythe: "Such a sad loss - but you will be remembered for who you were and what you were: a hero who was out there helping people daily."

* A colleague: "A kind, dedicated and funny man who was devoted to his wife, his kids and his job. Taken far too soon when he was winning at life. Rest in peace."

* A fellow officer: "Nick was a great man and helped me alot in my early days as a cop. He will be sorely missed."

* Emma: "Love and best wishes to Nick's family, friends and colleagues left behind. I completed a five week course with Nick and he was fabulous and hilarious from beginning to end. A very sad loss."

* Mark O: "Nick was a fantastic cop to work with. Dedicated and professional, yet with a sense of humour, witty banter and an all round good guy. A tragic loss for Kat, the kids, family, MSG and the force. 691."

* Sarah Dodd: "RIP Nick - an absolute legend. The station will never be the same . Love to Kat, kids and all your family and friends. X2088 & 979 (retired)."

* 2338 & 2421: "RIP Nick. An absolute gentleman and all round nice guy. Sending all of our love to your family."

* Andy2136: "A true gent and a huge loss to the policing family. It was honour to have worked with him."

* Chris Hossin: "Such a lovely, funny, genuine bloke. Will be sorely missed by all who met him. Love and thoughts to his family and friends."

* Steve Kidd: "Nick you were a lovely bloke, and your loss is felt by all who knew you. Rest assured that people will keep an eye out for your family."

* Nicola Armstrong: "Still can’t believe this has happened to such a lovely man. Had the privilege of working with Nick he is one of the best. All my thoughts with Kath, Kids, family and friends at this sad time. X."

The JustGiving appeal aims to raise £100,000.

It can be found at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/pc-nickdumphreys

Cumbria Police are still appealing for information from anybody who may have witnessed the tragedy last Sunday, or who can help the investigation in any way. If you can help, call 101.