Tributes have poured in after coronavirus claimed the life of a former island police sergeant and judo coach.

Messages describing Richard Lloyd as a ’giant of a man’ and ’father figure’ in the policing and sporting community have been sent to his family after his death was announced in Noble’s Hospital yesterday (Saturday).

Chief constable Gary Roberts wrote on Twitter: ’Today has been the saddest of my 36-year police career.

’So many of us are heartbroken after the death of a friend, colleague and giant of a man, who has been taken by this wicked virus.’

Richard Lloyd, known as Richie to friends and colleagues and who was 57 and from Ballabeg, is the second island resident to lose a battle with the disease.

He passed away in the intensive care unit at Noble’s just after 3pm on Easter Saturday.

Richie leaves a loving family, his wife Glen, mother Rita, Andy his son and his granddaughter Ffion who he adored.

Flags on Constabulary buildings will be flown at half-mast. Officers will stand in respect for him at 12 noon on Easter Monday.

Richie served for 30 years as a police officer, both with Merseyside Police and the Isle of Man Constabulary.

He spent the majority of his service here, retiring as a sergeant in September 2012.

The Isle of Man Constabulary Historian Facebook page, run by Dean Johnson, wrote a tribute in honour of Mr Lloyd.

He wrote: ’By request of his family, it is with the deepest personal sadness and heartache that I announce the passing of one of the most beloved members of our police family, former sergeant, Richard Lloyd, who passed away today at Noble’s Hospital.

’The depth of loss felt by all who knew Richard is unfathomable. Seldom in life do people have such an impact on others like he did.’

He added: ’Richard acted as a father figure to many of us, old and young in service and did so with the kindest, gentlest of demeanours.’

Mr Lloyd came from a family of police officers with both of his parents serving in Merseyside, which is where Mr Lloyd began his career. His son, Andy, who previously worked in the island’s force, currently serves for the Merseyside constabulary.

Mr Lloyd kept a strong association with the policing community by working at the headquarters in Douglas in a support role as well as helping lead the next generation of potential police officers in the Police Youth Scheme.

’His wonderful character kept sparkling, although undoubtedly the role he excelled in and loved the most was that of father and grandfather,’ Mr Johnson said.

’The gap Richard leaves will not be filled. He was one of a kind. Whilst the whole police family will mourn his passing, our thoughts go out most especially to Richard’s dear family who will feel his loss the most.’

A number of judo groups have shared their sympathies with the family.

Facebook page Isle of Man Judo wrote: ’It is with a heavy heart that we inform you tonight of the passing of head coach Richard Lloyd, after a short spell in hospital with coronavirus.

’The squad are all devastated by this news. We are a small but tight-knit group. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.

’This photo was taken last summer in Gibraltar. It is fair to say we would not have made it out there had it not been for his efforts both on the mat coaching, and behind the scenes with the administration. Our job now is to make sure his legacy lives on through judo.

They added: ’We ask for everyone to stay safe and follow the social distancing guidelines to prevent the further spread of this disease.’