Tributes have been paid to a “completely fearless” police officer and father-of-two who died after testing positive for Covid-19.

Police constable Abbasuddin Ahmed 40, was a serving officer on the Trafford district for Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

He died in hospital on Thursday afternoon, having tested positive for the virus in December, the force said.

The officer, known as Abbas or Abs, joined GMP in March 2017 but had been away from the front line during the pandemic, instead working from home “to look after his health”.

The force said the officer was described by colleagues on the Stretford Response Team as “the greatest brother in and out of work” and “such a lovely man who was never seen without a smile on his face”.

Another tribute, shared by the force, said he had “lived up to his name meaning ‘lion’ – brave, loyal, a fighter, protective, and completely fearless.

“Abs will live in our hearts forever.”

Inspector Abid Sardar, co-chair of the GMP Muslim Police Association, said: “I would describe him as a committed police officer, true friend and family man.

“Abbas will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him.”

He was a “much-valued member” of the team, Chief Inspector Neil Cook, of GMP’s Trafford division, said, adding that the officer “was looking forward to returning and getting back onto the streets to continue serving the community when it was safe to do so”.

He added: “Our thoughts are with Abbas’ wife Rebecca and two young children who are understandably devastated by his loss and we are giving them all the support that we can at this time.

“To see the shock and sadness of colleagues is an awful but pertinent reminder of the dangers of this terrible virus, and we remain committed to doing all that we can to protect the public and limit the number of people affected by such dreadful consequences.”

A Go Fund Me page has been set up by colleagues in the officer’s memory and to support his family.