A 24-year-old serving police officer has been killed in a car accident while off-duty.

Pc Daniel Clayton-Drabble died following an accident on a road close to the village of Whittlebury in Northamptonshire at around 7.40am on Boxing Day morning.

Pc Clayton-Drabble was an officer with Thames Valley Police based at Milton Keynes police station, and colleagues from his own force broke the news of his death.

The investigation into the collision is being carried out by Northamptonshire Police.

No other cars were involved and Pc Clayton-Drabble’s next of kin have been informed, Thames Valley Police said.

Detective Chief Superintendent Gilbert Houalla, force gold commander, said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with Daniel’s family and colleagues who are being supported at this time.

“We would ask that the family is given privacy at this time.”

John Apter, head of the Police Federation – the body representing police officers in England and Wales – tweeted his condolences.

He posted: “Terrible news, my thoughts are with Daniel’s family, friends and colleagues at this time. The #PoliceFamily stands with you all.”