"Many Photos" - PCSO dies of suspected heart attack hours after he was 'taunted by a group of youths'

A respected PCSO has died of a suspected heart attack hours after footage emerged of him being surrounded and taunted by a group of youths.

Alex Franklin, 52, described as a 'huge advocate for young people', was discovered dead at his home in the early hours of Tuesday.

Just hours earlier, the community support officer was involved in an incident with a group of youngsters in Kettering, Northamptonshire, which was captured on camera.

The video, which was shared on social media, appeared to show Franklin surrounded by youths while carrying a plastic bag.

PSCO Alex Franklin, 52, has died of a suspected heart attack hours after footage emerged of him being surrounded and taunted by a group of youths

One widely-shared post suggested he was being mocked by the group and that he had suffered a heart attack following the incident.

However no official cause of death has yet been confirmed and Northamptonshire Police have now asked those circulating the video to delete it.

A force spokesman: 'Northamptonshire Police is aware of a video circulating on social media of an incident that happened on Monday, July 29, in Mill Road, Kettering, involving a group of young people and one of our PCSOs.

'The PCSO in question, Alex Franklin, has since sadly passed away at his home address. Police officers have a copy of the footage and are currently reviewing it.

'In the meantime, we would request on behalf of Alex's family, who are grieving the loss of their loved one, that you do not share the footage on social media and if you have done so already, that you delete it.

'Seeing this video circulating on social media is causing distress to his family and friends who are already going through an extremely difficult time. Thank you for your understanding.'

Following the death, tributes from colleagues flooded in describing the officer as a 'warm, caring and committed' PCSO who was a 'huge' advocate for young people.

Northamptonshire's Chief Constable Nick Adderly tweeted: 'Got the call this morning. How dreadfully sad and cruel. Such a dedicated family man, committed to serving his community with passion.

Just hours earlier, the community support officer was involved in an incident with a group of youngsters on Mill Road  in Kettering, Northamptonshire, which was captured on camera

'He told me just a few short weeks ago that serving the community is what he was 'born to do'. My deepest condolences to his wife and loved ones.'

Mr Franklin also worked closely with schools like Kettering Science Academy and was a strong voice in the town's effort to tackle gang violence amongst teenagers.

Detective Chief Inspector Julie Mead wrote: 'The truth is today has been sad and I admit to a few tears.

'My colleague and friend of many years PCSO Alex Franklin passed away last night leaving a huge gap in the police family.

'He was a huge advocate for young people a great PCSO & an all round legend.. £RIP'

A spokesman for the workers' union Unison said: 'We are so sad to hear that Unison rep PCSO Alex Franklin passed away suddenly this morning.

'Alex was a health and safety rep and an accredited Post Incident rep. He worked hard to ensure that our members worked in a safe environment and helped many who approached him needing help and support.

'Alex was a huge asset to our branch and he will be missed by all of us. We shall send our condolences to his family at this awful time.'

On the Kettering Science Academy website, PCSO Franklin was described as being a PCSO of 11 years based in the Corby area of Northamptonshire.

He is quoted as saying: 'I decided to become a school officer largely because I felt the young people deserved to get through school with little to no issues.

'My aim is to break down barriers and help establish more pathways for those who have little direction.' 

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News Photo PCSO dies of suspected heart attack hours after he was 'taunted by a group of youths'
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