Tributes have been paid to a serving policeman who died "unexpectedly" while on duty. 

Steve Creal from Brighton had served as a police officer for Sussex Police for 20 years. 

The 42-year-old died suddenly on December 21, 2022, while working.

Tributes have flooded in, with friends and family commenting on his generosity and kindness.

The Argus: Steve and Lucy were made for each other, said AndySteve and Lucy were made for each other, said Andy (Image: Andy Clements)

Andy Clements, a close friend of Steve's, told The Argus: "He was wonderful man.

"He was always happy to help anybody."

Steve worked at roads policing unit in Sussex Police, a job Andy said "carries an inherent amount of risk". 

However, Steve had been working from home on the day, and his death was "completely unexpected" and is being treated as a medical incident. 

Now, his friends have launched a fundraiser to support his widowed partner Lucy.

Andy added: "His relationship with Lucy was a prime example of people being made for each other.

"He was also the most doting father and he put the happiness of his children above everything. 

"He wanted his children to live their lives to the full."

Lucy and Steve each have two children from previous relationships and lived together as a family. 

The pair had bought their "forever home" just 11 months prior to Steve's death.

Steve was proud of his career as a police officer, and had recently been promoted to police sargeant. 

Andy said: "He was one of the best police officers and it will be a huge loss to Sussex Police.

"His promotion was absolutely fantastic and well deserved."

The fundraiser, on website GoFundMe, has already reached over £5,000.

The Argus: Steve was a doting father to his two children and Lucy's two childrenSteve was a doting father to his two children and Lucy's two children (Image: Andy Clements)

Writing on the fundraising page, Steve's best friend Jane Denham said: "Throughout his life in the police force, Steve has helped countless families through immense loss, the most unimaginable times in their lives, Steve was there for each one of them.

"We don’t know how he did what he did, the things he saw, the love and compassion he gave at every moment he could. He was a very special human."

"For all of you who knew Steve, to imagine a life without him, we feel, is to imagine a life without an incredible friend, the brightest light, Stevie lit up whatever room he was in.

"He is unforgettable."