A SCHOOL was in mourning today for ex-pupil Jeffrey Tooley, the young traffic policeman killed by a hit-and-run van driver.

The 26-year-old officer went to Felpham Community College near Bognor. One of his brothers, Chris, 17, is still an A-level student there.

PC Tooley was struck by a van which failed to stop for a routine speed check at Shoreham on Saturday night.

He suffered massive head injuries and died in hospital at Worthing on Sunday.

His death is being treated as murder. More than 50 detectives are hunting the driver of the van, which was later found burnt out on the Downs above Brighton.

Police say the driver made no attempt to reduce speed when PC Tooley attempted to flag him down.

Today staff at his former school described PC Tooley as a very popular pupil.

Head of sixth form Leighton Thomas said: "Quite a few of his teachers are still at the school and they were absolutely devastated.

"He was a very popular young man and our thoughts are with the family."

Mr Thomas said Chris Tooley had been given time off to be comforted with his family.

The youngster is studying art, textiles and English.

His other brother, Russell, is also a former pupil and now works as a recreation officer at Arun Leisure Centre, which is next to the school.

Russell took part in a Press conference at Sussex Police headquarters when a new appeal to find the killer was made.

Mr Thomas said it was a tragedy for the family.

He added: "I think it was always Jeff's ambition to join the police force."

PC Tooley joined Sussex Police when he was 19 and had been a traffic officer at Shoreham for the last two years.

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