Hertfordshire Constabulary has confirmed that Clive Porter, 63, from Tring, served in Watford at some point in his 30-year career with Hertfordshire Constabulary, before he joined the Canal and River Trust as a charity worker.

He was found with serious injuries on a towpath near the Grand Union Canal in Aylesbury on Monday (April 26) and died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.

Two people, a 34-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman, have since been arrested in connection with the investigation.

The man, of no fixed abode, remains in the custody of officers while receiving hospital treatment.

Meanwhile the woman, who is from Birmingham, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and perverting the course of justice. She has been released on police bail until May 24.

Mr Porter’s family has since issued a public statement. They said: “Clive Porter was a much-loved husband, dad and grandad.

“He was a quiet calm and caring person, who served the community as a police officer for over 30 years before joining the Canal and River Trust.

“He was loved and respected by all who met him.

“Clive had a passion for working outdoors and meeting people. He believed in caring for people and the environment through the principle of policing by the people for the people.

“The family would like to thank the hard-working investigation team at Thames Valley Police and also the family liaisons DC James Armitage and DC Lynda Stearman for their hard work and support.

“The family have also been overwhelmed by all the support and messages of condolence they have received from friends, family and the wider community.”

Police at the scene

Richard Parry, the chief executive of the Canal and River Trust, confirmed earlier in the week that charity worker Mr Porter was the victim who died on the towpath.

Police have launched a murder investigation and investigations are ongoing.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Shearwood of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “I’d like to offer reassurance to the community that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this offence.

“However we would continue to ask that anyone who can provide information in relation to this investigation contacts us.

“I would specifically like to appeal to anyone that was using the canal towpath near Broughton crossing between 12pm and 12.30pm on Monday (April 26) and may have information to contact us urgently. We believe that anyone there between those times could be vital witnesses.

“I would like to extend the force’s thoughts and sympathies to the family and close friends of Mr Porter, and request that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time."