THE chief constable of Dorset Police has expressed his condolences to Her Majesty the Queen after her death.

The force will fly flags at half-mast at their HQ in Winfrith.

David Sidwick, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, described Her Royal Highness as "a source of stability".

Dorset Police said it was deeply saddened after Her Majesty died at Balmoral on Thursday, September 8.

Chief constable Scott Chilton said: “It is with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. There is a sombre mood across the Force and on behalf of everyone at Dorset Police, I send our deepest condolences to The Royal Family at this very sad time.

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“Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has been a guiding light and source of inspiration for millions of people across the world over her exceptional reign of 70 years.

“Her extraordinary reign began after the death of her father, King George VI in 1952 and she has ruled for longer than any other Monarch in British history, becoming a much loved and respected figure across the world.

“With an unwavering devotion to public duty, she has undertaken many historic overseas visits and has been an important figurehead for the UK and the Commonwealth during times of enormous social change.

“Police officers take an oath to serve the Queen and the entire police family joins the nation in mourning this sad news.

“We will be flying our flag at half-mast at Dorset Police HQ in Winfrith and our police stations in Weymouth and Bridport to mark the national period of mourning.

“Memorial plans will be announced by local councils and we ask the public to follow local authority websites for further information.

“Her Majesty’s death may affect many people across Dorset and we urge anyone who is feeling particularly saddened to seek support from one of the many agencies who can provide a listening ear or advice.

“We are now preparing to support our communities over the coming days as we come together to remember Her Majesty and mark this historic moment in time.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, added: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty the Queen today.

“My deepest and heartfelt sympathies go to the Royal Family at this incredibly difficult time.

“I also wish to express my condolences with members of the public at this time of national mourning. I know that the residents and communities across our county will come together to mourn the passing of our Queen.

“I am very proud to be British and for my entire life Her Majesty has been the figurehead of our nation. I remember seeing her when she visited Bournemouth when I was a small boy and more recently when she came to Sherborne for her Diamond Jubilee in 2012, both were very memorable occasions.

“We now need to grieve and take time to reflect on a life of dedicated public service. Her Majesty was a constant figure in many of our lives, a source of stability and steadfastness bound by an indomitable spirit and an almost unbounding energy to serve her people.

“Her Majesty was the epitome of public service and her devotion to the people of the UK and the Commonwealth was both remarkable and inspirational.”