AFTER reading the article on the front page of the Wiltshire Times with regard to Pc Tim Swinburn (Police Office Arrested Over Criminal Misconduct, November 3), I am absolutely appalled.

Pc Tim Swinburn should be receiving a medal for his extremely caring commitment to his career as a family liaison officer. He was genuinely committed to helping people through their most agonising grief.

My son Ashley Brixey was killed in a car crash at Limpley Stoke on October 3 2004. Tim Swinburn was our family liaison officer, who called on us in the early hours of October 4 to inform us our son had been killed. He gave myself and my family genuine support 24 hours a day, if we needed him he was always there for us all. He genuinely cares about people and understands the enormity of grief that they suffer. I can honestly say that if it were not for Pc Tim Swinburn's immense strength and support, I don't know how I would have got through that awful time.

If only there were more police officers like Pc Tim Swinburn the police force would have much greater respect from the public and especially the younger generation. He came to our house in his own time and spoke to a huge gathering of Ashley's friends, trying to help them cope with the loss of their dear friend, aged 20.

He spoke to them about road safety and answered the questions they wanted to ask. All of these young adults were grateful for the time he gave to them. He has such a good rapport with this younger generation, which not many police officers achieve.

I do not believe the allegations towards him to be true. Since the death of my son Ashley and after having a kidney transplant, I have been an active member of BRAKE, the road safety charity, and am an active member of the Safe Drive Stay Alive roadshow. We are trying desperately to reduce the number of deaths on our roads. Pc Tim Swinburn would like very much to join in with our efforts but unfortunately feels he cannot do so at present due to this long-winded investigation.

Why is this investigation going on for so long? Has anyone investigated the tremendous good work Pc Swinburn has achieved during his service with the police force? Let's see the full picture here, his family are suffering the consequences.

MRS C BRIXEY,Frome