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SHOCK DEATH OF 'ROBOCOP' SPARKS PROBE
Colleagues mourn constable hailed as the scourge of drug dealers
POLICE drug squads around Tottenham Court Road have been devastated by the mystery death of a gung-ho officer lovingly known as “Robocop”.
David Pilling, 47, was considered the scourge of drug dealers in Holborn and Covent Garden and a friend of nearly every uniformed officer in the area. He was found dead in “unexplained” circumstances at his home near Regent’s Park last Thursday.
The policeman won a reputation at headquarters in Holborn for making arrests while off-duty, and a spectacular incident which saw him chase a dealer down a flight of steps at the Centre Point underpass on his motorbike.
Colleagues, who flooded internet pages with tributes this week, are now facing the task of investigating how their friend died. He was found by police at about 3.30pm and later pro-
nounced dead at the scene. St Pancras coroner Dr Andrew Reid opened an inquest on Friday. It will not be resumed until more evidence has been gathered. Press officials, themselves mourning a friend, would not comment on speculation which has naturally grown among officers at the station, insisting that “nobody knows yet” the cause of PC Pilling’s death. Originally from Canada, PC Pilling had worked for Camden police for 13 years, making him one of its longest servers. Borough Commander Dominic Clout said: “He was a very popular and well-respected officer. Everybody knew him or knew of him and he was highly dedicated to his job. He will be sadly missed by all colleagues.”It was meant to be a happier week for Camden’s police, who are riding high after a fortnight of drug raids across the borough. On Friday, Chief Superintendent Clout was at the Town Hall handing out awards to top officers at the twice-yearly commendation celebrations. Understandably, the mood has changed in the wake of PC Pilling’s sudden death.
He was based in Holborn and Covent Garden Safer Neighbourhoods team and was described by close colleagues as an action man who single-handedly disrupted the drugs trade around Denmark Street. The stories of a no-nonsense approach and motorbike chases – steps proving no obstacle – have been fondly recalled in toasts to his memory, several beginning with his jokey nickname “Robocop”. One fellow officer wrote on an internet tribute: “When we went around in plain clothes it was a waste of time because all the bad ’uns knew him, and had probably already felt the force of the Robocop. I very much doubt there will ever be another copper that can strike as much fear into the drug fraternity as what Dave did.”
Another added: “Nothing compared to the devastation of hearing he would never be returning to the streets of Camden again. He virtually destroyed the drugs market around Denmark Street all by himself and dedicated his time to terrifying those involved in it. Holborn will never be the same without him.”
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “A post-mortem took place on Monday. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, which is being treated as unexplained. There are no suspicious circumstances but we await results of further tests. The cause is unexplained and enquiries are continuing.”
PC Pilling’s funeral is due to be held on Monday. Donations are being made to air ambulance appeals. |
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